Story Summary
Patrick Kane is back with the Chicago Blackhawks, beginning his 20th NHL season after signing a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million AAV) on July 23. The 37-year-old veteran said he still feels “like there’s a lot left on the table” and is encouraged by the club’s young core. Kane was named an alternate captain the same day Connor Bedard was named captain. Kane skated with Frank Nazar and Roman Kantserov at the start of training camp; Kantserov is expected to make his NHL debut this season. Bedard underwent surgery on his left shoulder in July and is expected to return in November. The Blackhawks open the season at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29.
Key Facts
- Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million AAV) with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23.
- Kane begins his 20th NHL season and his second stint with the Blackhawks.
- He was named an alternate captain on the same day Connor Bedard was named captain.
- Kane said: “You’re 37, turning 38 (in November) and accomplished some great things, but it still feels like there’s a lot left on the table and a lot left to accomplish because these guys haven’t done it and they’re pushing to do it.”
- Kane has 1,400 points (508 goals, 892 assists) in 1,369 career games with Chicago, the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings, and 138 points (53 goals, 85 assists) in 143 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
- With Chicago, Kane ranks third in franchise goals (446), second in assists (779) and second in points (1,225); he has played 1,161 games for the Blackhawks.
- Kane scored his 500th NHL goal on Jan. 8, broke the U.S.-born points record with No. 1,375 on Jan. 29 and reached 1,400 points on April 13.
- Named one of the 100 Greatest Players in NHL history during the League’s Centennial celebration in 2017.
- Chicago’s young core includes Connor Bedard (captain), Roman Kantserov (21), Frank Nazar (22), Anton Frondell (19), Artyom Levshunov (20) and Sam Rinzel (22).
- Kane skated with center Frank Nazar and left wing Roman Kantserov at the start of training camp; that trio could start the season if Bedard is unavailable.
- Roman Kantserov is expected to make his NHL debut this season.
- Connor Bedard had surgery on his left shoulder in July and is expected to be back in November, at which point lines will likely change.
IHM Discussion
Patrick Kane enters his second stint with Chicago in a formal leadership role, having been named alternate captain on the same day Connor Bedard became captain. The 37-year-old begins his 20th NHL season on a two-year, $16 million contract, and said the team’s young players give him more to accomplish.
He has 1,400 career points in 1,369 NHL games, while his first spell in Chicago included three Stanley Cup wins. The Blackhawks’ younger players have spoken openly about learning from his experience, and Kane has said he wants to help the group win and take its next step.
At the start of camp, Kane skated with centre Frank Nazar and left wing Roman Kantserov, who is expected to make his NHL debut this season. With Bedard expected back in November following left-shoulder surgery, those combinations could change, but Kane’s early camp work offers Chicago an immediate opportunity to build familiarity around its younger forwards.
Why It Matters
Kane brings a rare level of experience to a young Chicago group. His alternate-captain role gives that experience a formal place in the leadership group, while his passing and situational awareness can be useful reference points for younger linemates. With Bedard expected back in November, Chicago also has an early opportunity to assess combinations involving Kane, Nazar and Kantserov.
Mini Q&A
What contract did Patrick Kane sign?
Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract with an $8 million average annual value on July 23.
Was Kane given a leadership role?
Yes. Kane was named an alternate captain the same day Connor Bedard was named captain.
How does Kane describe his situation entering camp?
Kane said: “You’re 37, turning 38 (in November) and accomplished some great things, but it still feels like there’s a lot left on the table and a lot left to accomplish because these guys haven’t done it and they’re pushing to do it.”
Who are some of the young players Kane will work with?
Chicago’s young group includes Connor Bedard, Roman Kantserov (21), Frank Nazar (22), Anton Frondell (19), Artyom Levshunov (20) and Sam Rinzel (22).
When is Bedard expected to return from surgery?
Connor Bedard is expected back in November after surgery on his left shoulder in July.
When do the Blackhawks open the season?
The Blackhawks open the season at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29.
Coach Mark Comment
Short training camps favour experience. A veteran who knows how to navigate tight-game moments and the habits that win playoffs shortens the trial-and-error phase for young players. Kane can teach decision-making under pressure – not just what to do with the puck, but where to be before the play develops – and that kind of tacit knowledge is difficult to instil from the bench or video alone.
IHM Final View
Kane’s return gives Chicago an accomplished scorer and playmaker in its leadership group as he begins his 20th NHL season. His early work with Nazar and Kantserov will be worth watching, particularly with Bedard expected back in November. The Blackhawks open at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29.