Greg Wyszynski
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- Greg Wyszynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.
Several authors
Showtime is back in Chicago.
The Chicago Blackhawks and free agent forward Patrick Kane have agreed to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $8 million against the NHL salary cap, the team announced Thursday.
Kane, 37, returns to where he became an NHL superstar. He won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks after they drafted him first overall in 2007, becoming the cornerstone of a dynastic team that made the playoffs nine straight seasons and reached the conference finals in five of them.
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Kane ranks second on the Blackhawks in career points (1,225) behind Hall of Famer San Mikita (1,467). He ranks third in goals (446) and games played (1,161) for the Original Six. Kane won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year (2007-08), the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP (2013), and the Hart Trophy (MVP) and Ted Lindsay Award (NHLPA Player of the Year) in 2015-16, when he led the NHL with 106 points.
“Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick has captivated Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history while helping return our legendary team to the pinnacle of our sport,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “He has proven countless times that he knows what it takes to win at the highest level, and we are so proud that Patrick will once again call the United Center home and continue to shine on the brightest lights of Chicago.”
Kane’s agent Pat Brisson told The Athletic that the contract includes a no-movement clause.
Brisson said Kane had about 10 legitimate suitors at the start of free agency. According to Brisson, Kane took his time with the free agent process before finally deciding to sign with the Blackhawks.
“Like he belongs in a Hawks jersey too.” “PK 88, there’s nothing like it,” Brisson told The Athletic. “It makes so much sense.”
Kane was traded to the New York Rangers in 2023 as the Blackhawks began a lengthy rebuild. He then signed three one-year contracts with the Detroit Red Wings. Kane had 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games last season in Detroit before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Multiple reports indicated that Kane was contemplating a return to the Blackhawks versus returning home to his hometown of Buffalo to play for the Sabres. Ultimately, he chose to reunite with the Blackhawks, something Chicago star Connor Bedard lobbied for.
Bedard, 21, was drafted No. 1 overall by the Blackhawks a few months after they traded Kane to the Rangers. The two franchise icons never had the opportunity to play together. Since Kane was a free agent, Bedard wasn’t shy about voicing his opinion, saying it would be “unbelievable” for Kane to return to Chicago.
“I can’t imagine his first game at the United Center, the reaction he’ll get and how much energy it will bring not only to our team but to our fans. It would be incredible to play with him and learn from him,” said Bedard, who signed a five-year, $75 million extension last week as a restricted free agent.
Kane is in his 20th NHL season. He is fourth among active players with 1,400 points and sixth with 508 goals.