NHL News: Patrick Kane has reportedly made up his mind on future with Red Wings amid painful playoff drought

Patrick Kane is gearing up for a pivotal week as he prepares to become an unrestricted free agent in the NHL. With his one-year deal set to expire on July 1st, the ball now appears to be in the Detroit Red Wings‘ court, as the star veteran has reportedly taken a firm stance.

Will the 2025-26 NHL season finally be the one? Or will the Red Wings fall short of the Stanley Cup Playoffs once again? Patience is running short in Motor City, and a sudden turn might be coming up down the road. Todd McLellan will be behind the bench for his first full season as head coach in Detroit, but Kane’s future is still up in the air.

Not necessarily because the three-time Stanley Cup champion is eyeing the exit door, though. According to reports around the league, Kane is trending to a final decision on his future, and it’s now up to the Red Wings.

Here to stay

“Patrick Kane is of a mind to stay in Detroit,” Chris Johnston reported during the latest episode of his own podcast, the Chris Johnston Show.

Patrick Kane #88 of the Detroit Red Wings seen in action during the 2025 NHL Stadium Series against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

Kane has been in Mo-town for the past two seasons, yet he hasn’t been able to snap the franchise’s postseason drought. Nine NHL campaigns have gone by since the Red Wings last played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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Job security

Kane has signed one-year extensions in consecutive offseasons, a clear signal of the franchise’s wariness on the veteran’s age and a potential decline in his production.

While the 36-year-old forward continues to deliver 20+ goals per season, he’s hoping to secure some long-term stability. Whether Detroit is willing to offer Kane a longer-term contract, however, is a whole different story.