Story Summary
Patrick Kane will make his pre-season debut for the Chicago Blackhawks at the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, likely his only appearance before the regular season. Coach Jeff Blashill said Chicago could hold Kane out of its final pre-season game against St. Louis on Saturday, allowing him to make his home debut on Oct. 6.
Key Facts
- Patrick Kane will make his pre-season debut for the Blackhawks at the St. Louis Blues on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; CHSN) and that likely will be his only appearance prior to the start of the regular season.
- Coach Jeff Blashill said there ” might be something like that” about holding Kane out of Chicago’s final pre-season home game so he could make his home debut Oct. 6 against St. Louis.
- Kane is in his second stint with Chicago after signing a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million average annual value) on July 23.
- Kane was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NHL Draft and helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup three times (2010, 2013, 2015) during his 16 seasons with them (2007-23).
- Chicago plays its regular-season opener at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29.
IHM Discussion
The Blackhawks are set to give Patrick Kane a measured pre-season introduction, with Thursday’s game in St. Louis likely to be his only exhibition appearance before the regular season. Blashill left open the possibility of resting Kane for Saturday’s home pre-season finale against the Blues, which would set up an Oct. 6 home debut.
Kane’s return comes in his second stint with Chicago after he signed a two-year, $16 million contract carrying an $8 million average annual value on July 23. The No. 1 pick in the 2007 NHL Draft helped the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cups during his first 16 seasons with the club.
Why It Matters
Thursday gives Kane an opportunity to get pre-season game action before Chicago opens its regular season at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29. The decision on Saturday’s finale will also determine whether his next appearance is the potential Oct. 6 home debut against St. Louis.
Mini Q&A
Will Patrick Kane play more than one pre-season game?
The Blackhawks expect Kane’s appearance at St. Louis on Thursday to likely be his only pre-season game prior to the regular season; coach Jeff Blashill said there ” might be something like that” about holding him out of the final home pre-season game so he’d make his home debut Oct. 6.
Coach Mark Comment
For a veteran entering a new stint with a club, one pre-season game can provide a useful game-speed check before the regular season. The priority is how he moves and responds in competitive shifts, rather than piling up exhibition minutes.
What Comes Next
Kane is scheduled to make his pre-season debut in St. Louis on Thursday. Chicago then hosts the Blues on Saturday before opening the regular season at Vegas on Sept. 29; Kane could make his home debut against St. Louis on Oct. 6.
IHM Final View
Kane’s pre-season debut is the clear focus for Chicago. With his appearance in St. Louis likely to be his only exhibition game, the Blackhawks are positioning him for the start of the regular season and a possible home debut on Oct. 6.