Patrick Kane Returns to Chicago Blackhawks on Two-Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks announced Thursday that winger Patrick Kane has re-signed on a two-year, $8 million AAV contract with a full no-move clause, ending his three-year free-agent stint with Detroit and returning for his 20th NHL season.

ESPN

Kane was drafted first overall by Chicago in 2007 and spent 16 of his first 19 seasons with the Blackhawks, winning three Stanley Cups. He was traded to the New York Rangers at the 2022-23 deadline, then signed three one-year deals with Detroit, posting 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games last season.

ABC7Chicago.comESPNNHL EDGE stats: Kane’s upside for return to Blackhawks New York Times

• Franchise rankings: second in points (1,225) behind Stan Mikita; third in goals and games played (1,161).

NHL EDGE stats: Kane’s upside for return to Blackhawks

• Career milestones: 1,400 points (fourth among active players) and 508 goals (sixth among active players).

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• Detroit 2023-24 production: 57 points in 67 games; fourth on the Red Wings in goals and points per game (0.85).

NHL EDGE stats: Kane’s upside for return to Blackhawks

• Shot metrics: 89th percentile in long-range shots, 87th percentile in mid-range shots.

NHL EDGE stats: Kane’s upside for return to Blackhawks

• Recent stretch: 24 points in 22 games since March 1, trailing only linemate Alex DeBrincat.

New York Times

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson praised Kane’s “dazzling skill” and his impact on the franchise. Former captain Jonathan Toews called the return “awesome news.” Connor Bedard said playing with Kane would be “incredible.” Kane highlighted Chicago’s passionate fan base and the chance to contribute to the city’s “great sports town.”

New York Times

• “Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick captivated the city of Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history as he helped bring our storied franchise back to the pinnacle of our sport,” — Kyle Davidson

New York Times

• “Awesome news, pretty cool to see him get the chance to go back,” — Jonathan Toews

New York Times

• “We talk about the fans and the city and how it’s such a great sports town; he’s in a great spot for that,” — Patrick Kane

New York Times

• “I can't imagine his first game back at the [United Center], just the reaction he'd get and how much juice that would bring not only to our team but our fans as well. That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him,” — Connor Bedard

ESPN

Kane’s return pairs his playmaking with Bedard’s scoring and defenseman Bowen Byram on the power play. Although his 2023 hip-resurfacing surgery reduced his speed, his hockey IQ remains a key asset, as shown by his Detroit production.

New York Times

For Detroit, losing Kane adds to a summer of change that already includes captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request. The Red Wings must replace his 31 five-on-five points and his role on a power play that ranked fourth in the league (24.2 % success) last season.

New York Times

Sources differ on Kane’s age at signing: ESPN lists him as 37, while the New York Times says he turns 38 in November. No official clarification has been provided.

New York Times

Kane will report to training camp ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Chicago planning to slot him into a top-line role alongside Bedard and Byram. The schedule for his first game back has yet to be announced.

ESPN