Story perspectives

Kane Mulls Chicago, Buffalo Offers; Bedard Hopes Return

7/21/2026

Summary

Bedard Hopes Kane

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard said he hopes Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane will return.
Bedard finished the season with 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games.
The Blackhawks posted a 29-39-14 record for 72 points and a minus-62 goal differential.
Kane is weighing offers from Chicago and Buffalo, whose Sabres finished 50-23-9 with 109 points and a plus-47 differential, while no formal offers have been disclosed.

Summary

Bedard Captain Talk

General manager Kyle Davidson traded for defenseman Bowen Byram on June 23, adding size to Chicago’s blue line.
Chicago signed prospect Roman Kantserov in May and added forward Cole Smith and defenseman Ian Cole on free-agency day one, leaving ample salary-cap space.
Alternate captain Connor Bedard is being discussed as a candidate for Chicago’s 36th captaincy despite the team’s third straight missed-playoff season, the longest streak since the 2020 format change.

Summary

Bedard Surgery

Connor Bedard, 2023-24 Calder Trophy winner, underwent left-shoulder surgery on July 2, projecting his return for no earlier than November after missing the season start and having recorded 203 points in 219 games.
Patrick Kane set the NHL record for U.S.-born players with 1,400 points in 1,369 games.
At his 2024 jersey retirement, Kane received a loud ovation despite playing for Detroit, prompting Chris Chelios to say he still belongs in Chicago.

History

Historical Context

In 2010 the Chicago Blackhawks ended a 49-year Stanley Cup drought by beating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2, with captain Jonathan Toews earning the Conn Smythe Trophy. That championship, which completed Chicago’s sweep of titles in the four major sports, now frames the team’s rebuild around rookie Connor Bedard and free-agent Patrick Kane and a push to restore playoff relevance.

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Bedard Hopes Kane

Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard said he hopes Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane will return.
Bedard finished the season with 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games.
The Blackhawks posted a 29-39-14 record for 72 points and a minus-62 goal differential.
Kane is weighing offers from Chicago and Buffalo, whose Sabres finished 50-23-9 with 109 points and a plus-47 differential, while no formal offers have been disclosed.

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