- Patrick Kane is heading back to Chicago on a two-year, $16 million contract
- The deal carries an $8 million cap hit and a full no-move clause
- Read below for what Kane’s return means for Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks
Showtime is coming home.
Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract to return to the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. The deal carries an $8 million average annual value and a full no-move clause, per Elliotte Friedman.
Kane spent the first 16 of his 19 NHL seasons in Chicago and won three Stanley Cups there, in 2010, 2013 and 2015. The Blackhawks took him first overall in 2007, and he grew into one of the best American players the league has ever seen.
The 37-year-old spent the last three seasons in Detroit. He put up 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games for the Red Wings last year, so there is still plenty left in the tank.
Here’s how the Blackhawks welcomed him back:
Kane made it clear after last season that he wasn’t looking to coast into his final years. He talked about what he still brings when the games matter most.
“I still think I have the ability to elevate my game at the most important times. I’ve always been able to do that throughout my career, and I still think that’s something that lives within me.”
The reunion sets up a passing of the torch with Connor Bedard. Earlier this week, Bedard said Kane coming back would be incredible for the room and the fan base.
Bedard, who just signed a five-year, $75 million extension of his own, was asked what Kane’s first game back at the United Center would feel like.
“I can’t imagine his first game back at the United Center with the Blackhawks, the reaction he’d get and how much juice that would bring to not only our team but our fans, as well,” Bedard said. “That would be incredible to play with him and learn from him.”
Chicago opens the season Oct. 6 against the St. Louis Blues. Bedard is expected to be out until November after left shoulder surgery, so Kane won’t get to share the ice with the kid right away.
Kane still sits third in Blackhawks history with 446 goals, behind only Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita. He won the Conn Smythe in 2013 and the Hart Trophy in 2016. Now he gets to write a few more chapters in the sweater where it all started.
