Time truly flies. It feels like only yesterday Patrick Kane was hoisting his third Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks. Yet, the 36-year-old veteran is now entering his third NHL season with the Detroit Red Wings. As he reflected on his arrival in Motor City, Kane admitted it wasn’t Dylan Larkin who convinced him of moving to Detroit.
Once a Blackhawk, always a Blackhawk—well, not exactly. Kane will always be tied to his days in the Windy City, but now plenty of kids will grow up knowing Showtime as a Red Wing. Still, Chicago will always be where his roots are in the NHL. Detroit is just a home away from home for the Buffalo native.
Due to the Original Six rivalry between the Blackhawks and Red Wings, Kane never really envisioned himself playing in Mo-town. But life is like a box of chocolates, and the NHL is no exception. After a short stint with the New York Rangers, Kane became an unrestricted free agent and ultimately signed in Detroit.
The move made sense in more ways than one for Showtime, but there was one major factor that many might have overlooked. As Kane revealed, the prospect of joining former Chicago Blackhawks teammate Alex DeBrincat at Little Caesars Arena was one he couldn’t resist.
Alex DeBrincat #93 and Patrick Kane #88 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrate Kane’s goal against the New York Islanders during the third period at Little Caesars Arena on March 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.
“Yeah, [I enjoy playing with DeBrincat]. We had a lot of chemistry when we played together,” Kane admitted in dialogue with ESPN Chicago. “I’m coming back from my surgery [in 2023], I’m trying to pick what team to go to, and he was a big reason I decided to go to Detroit. Especially when you find out [the Red Wings] are interested.”
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Wake-up call
Enough is enough. The Red Wings have now missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last nine NHL seasons, and Kane can’t take no more of it. After watching the Florida Panthers dominate the league en route to a second straight Cup, Kane issued a bold statement.
“It sucks being in your couch watching [the Stanley Cup Playoffs],” Kane said. “When you’re watching, you think about what it would be like in that situation if you’re playing. Hopefully this year we’ll get back to the playoffs, and be able to compete. It’s tough watching when you feel you should be in those situations.”
Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Subtle message to Mike Sullivan
Kane is in the late stages of his NHL career, but he can still put on points on a regular basis night in and night out. While discussing the 4 Nations Face-Off, the veteran subtly reminded Mike Sullivan and Team USA he’s ready to put the national team sweater during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
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“[The 4 Nations] was incredible, it was awesome. Great hockey. Obviously, another thing you’re watching and you wish you could be part of,” Kane added. “[Going into the Olympics] I think [the USA’s chances] are probably as high as anyone. The [Tkachuk brothers] kind of lead the way. You lose the 4 Nations by one goal, I think there’s a lot of confidence going into the Olympics.”
