Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane watches a replay during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
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Last season when Patrick Kane played for the first time at the United Center as a visiting player, he scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
Appearance No. 2 was a little different. No tribute video, no solo laps, no points in Detroit’s 4-1 victory over the Blackhawks on Wednesday.
The scenario is a little strange, though. The Blackhawks traded Kane to the New York Rangers in 2023 to help start the rebuild. Since then, they’ve put the youth movement on pause and loaded up on older veterans who can set a good example for Connor Bedard.
So why isn’t Kane, 35, playing again in Chicago? He’d fit right in with the current Blackhawks roster and would likely be the best role model Bedard could ask for.
Kane pondered the possibility after the game.
“I think it was one of those situations where they kind of wanted to rebuild and go in a different direction,” Kane said. “It was never really mentioned to me anyway of being part of that rebuild.
“So I thought I’d try and make a run with the Rangers and after that, coming back off surgery, to try and join a team that can make the playoffs. I’m sure it’s going both ways.”
Sure, going to the playoffs is a reasonable goal for an NHL legend. Heading into Wednesday’s contest, though, the Hawks and Red Wings were on equal footing with 11 points each. Detroit missed the playoffs last year and is no lock to make it this season.
Kane’s most recent playoff experience was with the Rangers, a seven-game, first-round loss to New Jersey in 2023. The Hawks got a couple of draft picks in the Kane trade, but nothing they couldn’t live without.
Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat, left, celebrates after scoring on Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
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“I think they’re probably trying to turn the page, right?” Kane said of the current Hawks. “They’re probably trying to start something new. That’s completely understandable.
“They have a lot of good veterans in there and guys that will help them; hopefully help the team get to another level. It seems like they’re playing a little bit better this year. I think they have the right idea.”
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson referenced the Rangers trade when he was asked about Kane’s return after Tuesday’s practice.
“I know he’s competitive, he wants to continue his career and win,” Richardson said. “Unfortunately, it just didn’t work in our timetable here. He’s doing his thing that he’s always done.”
One humorous sidebar in this game was Bedard drawing a tripping penalty against Kane in the first period. It was Bedard’s second penalty this season and wasn’t anything egregious, just fighting for the puck in the Detroit end. Kane didn’t even fall to the ice, he just lifted a skate to get away from Bedard’s stick. Anyway, the Hawks killed off the penalty.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Bedard said he’s had only brief contact with Kane.
“He’s reached out a couple times with congratulations and stuff,” Bedard said. “Everyone here says he’s a great guy, so it’s nice he’d do that.”
Another former Blackhawk, Alex DeBrincat, scored the game’s first goal with just two seconds left in the opening period. Nick Foligno tied it up at the 8:42 mark of the second period, stuffing the puck past the skate of Detroit goalie Cameron Talbot.
The Red Wings took the lead a few minutes later on a Dylan Larkin goal, then went up 3-1 three minutes into the third when a long shot by Joe Veleno bounced off the skate of Hawks defenseman Nolan Allan and straight into the net. The Wings tacked on an empty-net goal.
After the third goal, Detroit fans in attendance began a brief “Jared Goff” chant. There’s still a few weeks until the first Bears-Lions game of the season on Thanksgiving Day. There were no answers of “Caleb Williams.”
The Hawks may already be a little road weary, having endured four- and five-game trips already in the first three games of the season. Now they face a back-to-back against the Stars on Thursday, their second game in Dallas in 12 days.
“I don’t know what we did to tick somebody off at the NHL offices,” Foligno told reporters at the morning skate. “This has been crazy, the two big road trips to start the year, and I’m proud of the guys for finding ways to be effective through it.”