The Chicago Blackhawks have mostly accomplished what they wanted to this offseason. They improved their defense, first by trading for Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabers. Then they signed Ilya Mikheyev in free agency, giving a significant boost to their penalty kill. Most agree that the weakest part of the roster has been fortified. However, a not-insignificant number of fans believe the team erred in a big way by not trying harder to find a legitimate winger to pair with Connor Bedard. That is where Patrick Kane enters the conversation.
The Blackhawks legend just concluded a three-season run with the Detroit Red Wings, posting a winning record every year. Unfortunately, at age 37, the organization doesn’t seem interested in bringing him back. Now Kane is searching for a new home. Growing rumors indicate two destinations are on his list: Chicago and Buffalo. Kane is a Buffalo native, so playing for his hometown team is an obvious draw. It doesn’t hurt that they’re pretty good lately. As for Chicago, reuniting with the team he built a Hall of Fame career with isn’t a tough sell.
It appears smoke is growing that the Blackhawks are the favorites to make the deal, if they haven’t already.
Patrick Kane is a perfect temporary solution.
Yes, he is no longer the player he was ten years ago. He hasn’t made an All-Star game since 2020 and has lost his overwhelming offensive firepower with his advancing age. That said, Kane remains a legitimate threat thanks to his unparalleled stick work and veteran savvy. He was good for 20 goals and 30-35 assists every year in Detroit. That is better than everybody not named Tyler Bertuzzi on the Blackhawks’ roster. He would be an immediate asset to Bedard, both on and off the ice.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
Much of this hinges on what Kane’s priorities are. If he is determined to go after one more Cup, then Buffalo is probably the wiser choice. They are the more established playoff contender who look ready for a run. Playing for his hometown team would be a welcome bonus. If it’s about legacy? Then, Chicago is the choice. He returns to the organization that helped make him a superstar and a three-time champion. He gets to don the red and black again, and perhaps mentor the franchise’s next star.
Money could also be a factor.
Over the past three years, Patrick Kane has played on one-year contracts worth around $3-4 million. If he’s hoping for something a little more, then the Blackhawks have the advantage. Even after all of their moves this offseason, they still have the sixth-most cap space in the NHL at $14.31 million. Buffalo has $5.21 million. They might not be willing to offer the type of contract he’s hoping to get. No doubt they expect him to take a discount of some kind to join a winning team.
Kane has earned over $125 million in his career. He doesn’t have a reason to prioritize money, but then again, with retirement getting closer, he may wish to squeeze every penny he can before hanging up the skates. The man has a family to think about. Chicago is more than able to top any offer the Sabers can make. It’s whether they want to. From how Bedard sounds, it certainly seems like they’re willing to work something out.
