“There’s a lot of gravity to [Kane’s] presence. There’s huge value in that, but there are also some elements that, if the players aren’t prepared, they might be watching him a little too much. And they haven’t figured out what works for them or gotten comfortable in their own skin,” Davidson said during an appearance on CHGO Blackhawks.

Adding a seasoned NHL star like Kane could create a dilemma for the Blackhawks. Up until now, Chicago had stuck to its rebuilding plan—even if it had little to show for it. For better or worse, landing Kane was a massive shift in the status quo.

Double-edged signing for Blackhawks

Signing Kane is seen by some as the Blackhawks going back on their word and abandoning their previous approach. It doesn’t have to be that way, however. Only time will tell, though.

If Kane is willing to help the young squad in whatever role Jeff Blashill and company ask of him, his presence may bring nothing but positives. However, if the team can’t adapt to Kane—or vice versa—it could erase all the progress the Hawks made, especially late in the 2025-26 NHL season.

Kane’s presence could affect team at times

That’s easier said than done, and having Kane on the ice could lead players to force passes just to get him the puck. That’s one of the things Davidson and the organization hope to avoid. Kane is just another teammate, even if he was a childhood hero to many of Chicago’s young players.

It’s an intriguing aspect of “Showtime’s” return to the Windy City and something to keep an eye on heading into training camp and the regular season.

More often than not, a team’s first selection in the draft is backed by countless hours of scouting and analysis. In this case, it was no different, but the Blackhawks still drafted Villeneuve because the boom-or-bust label attached to the Canadian teenager wasn’t exactly daunting to Chicago. In fact, it might have been exactly what they were after.

“For the Hawks, the risk makes sense because they don’t need a third-pairing plug-in,” Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times stated. “They have other prospects with decent odds of developing into that type of player. What they do need is what every team needs: star power.”

Villeneuve is an intriguing prospect

It will be a while before Blackhawks fans see Villeneuve on a regular basis at the United Center. And that’s if they see him at all. His selection is purely a developmental one. The Hawks have a lot of work to do with the rookie, who in more ways than one reflects the changing times in the NHL.

Hockey traditionalists may have a tough time accepting Villeneuve as a potential first-pairing defenseman, but things have changed around the league. Villeneuve is 5-foot-11 and possesses the traits of the modern-day defenseman.

A quick look around the NHL shows that undersized defensemen can thrive (Lane Hutson and Quinn Hughes, to name a couple). Obviously, towering blueliners haven’t gone extinct and remain pivotal, but size is no longer a prerequisite for a team’s defensive corps. That’s one of the qualities that has the Hawks excited about Villeneuve.

Villeneuve is headed for college

Another factor that aligns with a growing trend among top prospects is that the 18-year-old is headed to the NCAA (Boston University) to develop his game before making the jump to the NHL. Yet another Canadian prospect is choosing the college route in the United States over the Canadian major junior ranks.

Chicago will remain patient with Villeneuve. If he blossoms into a top defenseman, great. If not, it’s not as though the Hawks gave up too much to acquire him.

Blackhawks could face much different situation

Had the Hawks kept their first-round pick and used it on a player who would now be facing sky-high expectations, the situation would be much more difficult.

Instead, the Hawks played their cards differently, and if anyone is facing pressure, it’s Byram. But the 25-year-old, selected fourth overall in 2019, has seven NHL seasons under his belt and is much better prepared for that challenge than a teenager would be.

Only time will tell if Chicago made the right call in the 2026 NHL Draft, but it’s hard to argue with the thought process behind Kyle Davidson and company’s decision.

After leaving the Detroit Red Wings and signing with Chicago, Kane revealed that he has already spoken with longtime teammate Jonathan Toews about the possibility of returning to the NHL.

Although there is no indication that a comeback is imminent, Kane’s latest comments have reignited hope among Blackhawks fans dreaming of one final reunion between two of the organization’s biggest icons.

Patrick Kane asked Jonathan Toews about a comeback

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews formed one of the greatest duos of the modern era, helping the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cups and defining an unforgettable chapter in franchise history.

Now, with Kane back in Chicago to help the Blackhawks, speculation has begun over whether the legendary captain could be tempted to lace up his skates one more time.

Appearing on Pardon My Take, Kane admitted that he has already floated the idea of Toews returning for another season. “He was like, ‘I’m actually jealous.’ Then, I’m like, ‘Hey, maybe you should come back for a year.’ He’s like, ‘I’m thinking about it.'”

Could Jonathan Toews return with Blackhawks?

Jonathan Toews spent his entire first NHL chapter with the Blackhawks from 2007 through 2023, winning three Stanley Cups alongside Kane before later finishing his playing career with the Winnipeg Jets.

After his final season in Winnipeg, Toews announced his retirement, seemingly closing the book on one of the most decorated careers of his generation. However, Kane’s latest comments have introduced an intriguing possibility.

Even if a return remains unlikely, the fact that Toews admitted he is “thinking about it” is enough to spark optimism that one of the NHL’s most iconic partnerships might not be finished just yet.

However, if he fails to find his footing and the clock starts ticking, a trade may become the wisest option for the Blueshirts. If that happens, three teams with young rosters and a major need on the blue line could come knocking on Chris Drury’s door.

“I’ve wondered about defense-needy teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks,” Vincent Mercogliano wrote on The Athletic about a potential trade involving Schneider.

Ducks, Sharks, and Blackhawks make sense

Should any of the Ducks, Sharks, or Blackhawks call the Rangers to ask about Schneider, it wouldn’t be surprising. The three boast young lineups in which the offense features an elite center and enough talent—albeit to different extents on each team—to send chills down the spine of opposing defenses.

Another thing the three potential landing spots for Schneider have in common is that each has broken the piggy bank to extend its franchise center. Macklin Celebrini’s new contract with the Sharks set a record-breaking average annual value (AAV), while Leo Carlsson and Connor Bedard will still earn more than Celebrini next season. Still, there is a glaring void on the blue line for all three clubs, especially when it comes to depth.

Indeed, each team has—or at least hopes it has—its franchise life-changing defenseman: Anaheim has Jackson LaCombe, San Jose drafted Keaton Verhoeff, and Chicago traded for Bowen Byram while hoping Artyom Levshunov develops into an elite blueliner. Going further down the pairings, however, that’s where trouble lies for the Ducks, Sharks, and Blackhawks.

Schneider could still enter his prime

Schneider, who is still only 24 years old, could turn out to be a crucial depth addition, and a long-term one at that. For him, a change of scenery may be all he needs, and for the Rangers, trading him wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world—provided they receive a fitting offer.

The Blueshirts know, even if they can’t figure it out themselves, that Schneider is fixable. Thus, they can’t demand top dollar, but they won’t settle for peanuts in return, either. Finding that sweet spot in between is what it’s all about.

Perhaps it will be Anaheim, Chicago, or San Jose that comes through with the right offer. Or maybe a dark horse takes Schneider off the Blueshirts’ hands. The defenseman being re-signed in the Big Apple remains an option on the table, though it continues to inch closer to the edge with each passing day.

New Rangers in New York

New York revamped its defense during the offseason and, in fact, is in greater need of help in its top-six forward group. With Schneider, patience appears to be running low, and the fact the two sides agreed only to a one-year deal—largely to avoid arbitration—could indicate trouble.

Moreover, Mike Sullivan is trying to establish a new Rangers identity that hinges on Igor Shesterkin’s long-term commitment and a solid defensive corps. If Schneider finally breaks out and establishes himself, great. But if not, the Blueshirts have a backup plan. They made sure to lay the foundation during the offseason. Drafting Alberts Smits was further proof of that.

Unlike what happened with Schneider, New York will hope not to burn out its first-round defenseman this time around. At least, that’s easier said than done while the regular season still feels distant. Once the puck drops and the team needs answers, the original plan may be tossed out the window.

Heading into the 2026-27 NHL campaign, Bedard finally moved off his RFA status and signed a long extension with the Blackhawks. Under his current deal, Bedard will make an average salary of $15 million over the next five years. Bedard’s extension runs through 2031, when he will become an UFA at the age of 25.

During the 2026-27 NHL season, however, Bedard will earn a total salary of $17 million, according to PuckPedia. Celebrini, on the other hand, won’t come close to that figure. The Sharks will pay Celebrini a salary of $975,000 next season because he is still under his entry-level contract.

Celebrini is still on rookie contract

The record-breaking deal Celebrini signed—setting the highest average annual value (AAV) in NHL history—won’t kick in until the 2027-28 season. The wait will be well worth it, though.

In 2027-28, Celebrini is set to earn a $20.8 million salary from the Sharks. As things stand, that would be the highest annual salary in the NHL two seasons from now. During the 2027-28 campaign, the North Vancouver duo’s salaries will combine for a total of $36.8 million.

However, with pending unrestricted free agents such as Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, and Jason Robertson, combined with the league’s rising salary cap, many around the NHL wonder whether another record-breaking contract could be signed in the near future.

Bedard’s deal puts him in great spot

Based on AAV, Bedard ranks fourth among all NHL contracts (third if only active contracts are considered, which would leave Celebrini out of the equation). In terms of total value, however, Bedard’s five-year, $75 million contract falls all the way to 35th in the league.

Still, the 21-year-old may not have wanted it any other way. In 2031, Bedard will get the chance to test free agency as a 25-year-old. With his prime years still ahead of him and coming off character-testing seasons with the Blackhawks, Bedard could be in line for a massive payday on the open market.

And even if he wants to stay in Chicago, the possibility of losing him in free agency would likely push the Blackhawks to go above and beyond with a top-of-the-market offer. All things considered, the timing couldn’t be much better for the North Vancouver native. It isn’t luck, though. This is exactly what Bedard’s camp was after and why it had no interest in signing a maximum-term deal.

Kane’s return immediately transformed the outlook in Chicago. Instead of focusing solely on the long-term development of their young core, the Blackhawks now believe they have assembled a roster capable of competing at a much higher level while accelerating Connor Bedard’s growth into one of the NHL’s elite superstars.

No one appears more excited about the move than Bedard himself, who grew up watching Kane dominate the league and now has the opportunity to share the ice with one of his childhood idols.

Connor Bedard reacts to Patrick Kane’s return

Speaking with TSN, Connor Bedard admitted he and his teammates were hoping Patrick Kane would choose the Chicago Blackhawks over other reported destinations.

“I was pretty fired up. You kind of hear it could happen and you’re hearing Chicago or Buffalo or whatever and you’re just kind of praying that he joins us. Probably everyone on the team texted every other person on the team how fired up they were and just to have someone like that, obviously the legacy portion of it but just him as a player as well, he’s going to add a lot to us. We’re all thrilled for sure.”

The comments highlight just how significant Kane’s return has been inside the Blackhawks’ locker room. Chicago spent the last several seasons rebuilding around Bedard, but the addition of Kane signals that the organization is ready to become more competitive.

The veteran winger returns with three Stanley Cup championships, a Hart Trophy, and more than 1,300 career points, providing invaluable experience to one of the league’s youngest rosters.

With Bedard continuing to develop into a franchise player and Kane bringing leadership, scoring, and championship pedigree back to Chicago, the Blackhawks believe they have taken an important step toward becoming legitimate Stanley Cup contenders once again.

Although Kane sent the Red Wings an emotional goodbye message, he hasn’t hidden his pent-up frustration. Back in Chicago, he wants to make sure everybody is on the same page. Not many believe the Blackhawks will be a playoff team in the 2026-27 NHL season, but Kane doesn’t care.

While some believe Kane took a shot at the Red Wings when explaining his return to the Blackhawks, this latest comment wasn’t a dig at his former team so much as a reflection of how eager he is to make up for what went wrong in Detroit.

“I would love to see this team in the playoffs,” Kane didn’t stutter to confess in only his first days back on the Blackhawks, via CHSN. “I think it would be incredible to have some playoff games at the United Center again. That’s kind of where we are at. That’s probably the biggest goal.”

Kane says anything can happen in playoffs

Not many have the Blackhawks making the postseason on their bingo cards. Kane knows that. But that only adds another layer to why Chicago wants to prove fans and analysts around the NHL wrong.

It’s been a while since the Blackhawks last got a taste of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but if there’s someone who can convince fans in Chicago they have a chance, it’s Kane. After all, “Showtime” is synonymous with the Hawks’ dynasty, and perhaps a new one can begin as he joins Connor Bedard—who subtly asked to play alongside Kane on the top line—and the rest of the young core.

“In the playoffs, anything can happen. You’ve seen it with teams,” Kane commented. “[The Florida Panthers] were the last team in the playoffs [in 2023] they made it to the finals and then you see the run they went on. Vegas and Detroit had the same amount of points last year. Detroit misses the playoffs, and Vegas makes the Stanley Cup final. There’s so much parity in the league you just really need to find a way to get in.”

Tall order for Chicago

If Chicago makes it to the playoffs, anything can happen. The challenge is getting there, and that’s no small feat for a Blackhawks team that shares a division with the likes of the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars, among other potential contenders.

Last time Chicago made the playoffs

The Blackhawks’ last playoff appearance came in 2020. After advancing through the qualifying round, Chicago lost to the Golden Knights in five games during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Edmonton bubble. The Hawks haven’t played a postseason game since.

If you only count full seasons with no asterisks, Chicago’s most recent playoff appearance dates back to the 2016-17 campaign. Nearly a decade has passed since the Predators swept the Blackhawks in the first round, a series widely regarded as the official end of Chicago’s dynasty.

Last time Kane played in playoffs

As for Kane, he hasn’t reached the postseason since the 2022-23 campaign, when he was with the New York Rangers and suffered a first-round elimination at the hands of the New Jersey Devils in seven games. For Kane, it’s been three seasons since his last playoff appearance—exactly the time he spent with the Red Wings.

Now back in Chicago, the memories of his glory years in the Windy City are impossible to ignore. However, Kane didn’t return to indulge in nostalgia. He wants more, and he’s making that clear from the very beginning.

“Everyone he’s played with, he’s made them better,” Bedard said during an interview on OverDrive. “Probably the best hands ever in the history of hockey and one of the best passers, some of the best IQ. So if it’s me or whoever is playing on his line, it’s going to make that player so much better. I’d be very lucky to get some passes from him for sure.”

Bedard didn’t go over the top with his statement, yet he got his message across and made it clear just how much he’d like to play with arguably the best American skater in NHL history. The Blackhawks have time to decide what the best course of action is, and Bedard will likely be back on the ice by late October-November, but the young star has made his pitch.

Much-needed help for Bedard

It’s been a long time coming, but Bedard finally has the chance to play alongside an elite talent on Chicago’s top unit—even if it comes in the form of a 37-year-old Kane. Better late than never.

The Blackhawks’ potential forward lines are one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the new season, and even if Bedard isn’t available on opening night, he is already looking forward to sharing the ice with “Showtime.”

In the meantime, Bedard’s comments serve as a subtle “save me a spot” message to the organization. If one thing is clear, is that when Bedard speaks, Chicago listens.

Will Kane and Bedard play together?

Whether pairing Kane and Bedard on the top line is the right move, or whether the Blackhawks would be better off spreading out their talent across the top six, only time will tell. As with many things in Chicago lately, it will likely come down to trial and error. Those are the growing pains that accompany every NHL rebuild.

By now, the Blackhawks are all too familiar with them, and Kane will have to get used to them as well. It’s exactly what he signed up for when he put pen to paper on his new contract, a deal that underscores the organization’s urgency to help Bedard and the rest of the roster take the next step.

The reunion immediately became one of the biggest stories of the NHL offseason. Kane built his Hall of Fame résumé in Chicago, winning three Stanley Cups, a Hart Trophy, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and establishing himself as one of the greatest players in franchise history before leaving in 2023.

Now, at 37 years old, Kane has made it clear that this isn’t simply a farewell tour. He returned to Chicago with one objective in mind: helping the Blackhawks become contenders again.

Patrick Kane sends clear message after returning to Chicago Blackhawks

Speaking after his signing became official, Patrick Kane explained exactly why he chose to return to the Blackhawks. A clear warning to the entire NHL that the goal is to chase the Stanley Cup.

“What a time! To say I get to be a Blackhawk again is an amazing feeling. I chose to come back because of the talent here and to be a part of helping this iconic franchise get back to the next level. And also try to help the team win.”

The comments quickly resonated with Blackhawks fans, many of whom view Kane’s return as a symbolic step toward restoring the franchise’s winning culture.

How much money will Patrick Kane earn with Blackhawks?

Patrick Kane returns to Chicago on a two-year contract worth $8 million per season, a deal that could represent the final chapter of his remarkable NHL career.

“The love, passion and energy I’ve felt from the fans have been unparalleled, even when I was not wearing the Blackhawks sweater. There’s nothing like the city of Chicago and home games in the UC. I cannot wait to pull the home red jersey on, hear that anthem, and play in front of you again. Let’s go!”

Speaking to reporters after signing his two-year contract with Chicago, Kane said his decision was driven by the opportunity to join a team he believes is moving in the right direction. “Most importantly, it was about coming to a team where I think I can fit in well. A team that’s on the rise… and trying to make the playoffs,” Kane said.

The remark quickly generated discussion because Kane spent the previous three seasons in Detroit, where he recorded 57 points in 67 games during the 2025-26 campaign before returning to Chicago in free agency, as Alex DeBrincat shared a heartfelt farewell to him.

Why did Kane’s comment stand out?

Kane’s description of the Blackhawks as “a team that’s on the rise“ raised eyebrows given how the two Original Six franchises finished last season. Detroit ended the 2025-26 campaign with a 41-31-10 record and 92 points under head coach Todd McLellan.

Meanwhile, Chicago finished 29-39-14 with 72 points as it missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs once again. Despite that gap, Kane expressed confidence in the direction of the Blackhawks under general manager Kyle Davidson and new head coach Jeff Blashill.

What can Kane bring back to Chicago?

Although Chicago remains in the middle of its rebuilding process, Kane is expected to provide both offensive production and veteran leadership for one of the NHL‘s youngest rosters.

The 37-year-old remains one of the league’s most accomplished American-born players and believes he can still make an impact rather than simply returning for a farewell tour. Kane emphasized that his objective is to help the Blackhawks compete for a playoff spot while mentoring emerging stars such as Connor Bedard.

DeBrincat reacted shortly after Kane’s two-year contract with Chicago became official, sharing a simple but meaningful Instagram story that read, “Thank you 88,” alongside a photo of the two teammates. The message highlighted a friendship that has extended well beyond the ice throughout their NHL careers.

Their connection dates back to Chicago, where Kane helped mentor DeBrincat after the Blackhawks selected the winger in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft. After reuniting in Detroit in 2023, the duo once again developed strong chemistry before Kane’s return to the franchise where he became one of the greatest players in team history.

DeBrincat and Kane’s friendship extends beyond hockey

The relationship between the two forwards has remained strong despite multiple roster moves throughout their careers. When Chicago traded DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators in 2022, Kane openly admitted how difficult it was to lose both a productive linemate and one of his closest friends.

Their bond continued after Kane joined Detroit, where they once again became key pieces of the Red Wings’ lineup. Off the ice, their families also developed a close relationship, with their children frequently appearing together during team events.

DeBrincat remains under contract with Detroit for another season, while Kane now begins a new chapter back in Chicago. Although another reunion appears unlikely in the near future, DeBrincat’s tribute reflected the lasting friendship the two have built over nearly a decade.

Kane returns to the Blackhawks on a two-year contract

Kane’s new contract with Chicago is worth $16 million over two seasons and carries an $8 million annual cap hit. The agreement also includes a full no-movement clause, giving the three-time Stanley Cup champion control over his future.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said the organization welcomed Kane back because of both his leadership and his legendary impact on the franchise. Chicago also believes the veteran forward can play an important role mentoring its young core, led by Connor Bedard, as the team looks to return to playoff contention after several rebuilding seasons.