NHL News: Red Wings reportedly not playing around with Patrick Kane’s future as contract reaches its end in Detroit

The 2024-25 NHL season promised to be different for the Detroit Red Wings. However, it ended just like the eight campaigns that preceded it: in utter heartbreak. The Red Wings failed to make the postseason for the ninth straight year, but they aren’t laying down their arms just yet. They made that clear as reports indicate Patrick Kane‘s time in Detroit has yet another chapter.

Showtime might not be going anywhere.Although the three-time Stanley Cup champion hasn’t even sniffed the playoffs since joining the Red Wings, he’s found a home in Motown. And at this point in his career, that might be more valuable than anything else for the former Blackhawks and Rangers star.

As the NHL offseason approaches, Kane is feeling a déjà vu. He has been here before with the Red Wings. After joining the team in a one-year contract during the 2023 free agency period, Kane signed another one-year extension in 2024. Now, he might be trending to do it all over again. However, Kane has stated in the past he wishes to have some job security with a longer contract.

Whether Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings fulfill Kane’s wish or not, that’s a whole other story. What is looking like guaranteed, however, is that Kane is staying in town. At least, Detroit is reportedly going to give its best effort for it to materialize.

Patrick Kane #88 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2025 in Washington, DC.

“I believe that the Red Wings would like to extend Patrick Kane, feels like they’ll probably get something done,” insider Darren Dreger said in dialogue with TSN 1050 Toronto.

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2x Stanley Cup champion on the way out

The Red Wings have learned a hard truth in the NHL recently. In order to be competitive and make the postseason, they need all the experience they can afford. Vladimir Tarasenko’s arrival in Detroit was supposed to provide with the right balance between longevity and impact.

However, the two-time Stanley Cup champ didn’t fulfill expectations in Motor City. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with 33 points, his career-worst in any 50+ game–season. As a result, reports indicate Detroit is searching for a way out for the 33-year-old Russian.

“Another name to keep tabs on this month: Vladimir Tarasenko, who is going into the final year of his contract,” insider David Pagnotta said on his X account. “His name is out there again and the Detroit Red Wings are exploring the market.”