Chicago Blackhawks to discuss bringing back franchise legend

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Cooper Godin
May 23, 2024 (2:04 PM)

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The Chicago Blackhawks are wanting to take the next step in their rebuild this summer and would like to make additions to their roster, whether that comes through free agency or trades.

Adding a scoring winger to play with Connor Bedard would be ideal for the Blackhawks. There are a number of possibilities that General Manager Kyle Davidson could consider on July 1st, including Sam Reinhart and Steven Stamkos, if they decide to test the open market.

But there's another intriguing name who will be an unrestricted free agent on Canada Day that is very familiar to fans of the Chicago Blackhawks and that's future Hall of Famer Patrick Kane.

Kane left the Blackhawks in 2023 after being traded to the New York Rangers. That summer, Kane became a UFA and because he underwent surgery, didn't put pen to paper on a new contract until November, inking a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings.

Could Patrick Kane return to Chicago, where he became a star and won three Stanley Cups? It's certainly possible and according to Scott Powers of The Athletic, the Blackhawks will discuss internally if they'd like to bring back the 35-year-old.

"But, now, I'm not so confident about what's going to happen. I've heard enough in the past few weeks to believe that the Blackhawks are going to at least internally discuss whether to re-sign Kane. The answer may not change, but I do think it's an agenda item as they lead up to free agency.

There is the question of whether Kane wants to return, but I do believe he's open to it. Kyle Davidson made sure Kane's departure was as smooth as possible, and that the relationship wasn't fractured." Powers said.

Kane, a native of Buffalo, New York, is one of the best players in Chicago Blackhawks franchise history and is currently only 242 points back of the team lead all-time which is held by Stan Mikita. In 1,161 games with the Blackhawks, Kane has 1,225 points (446 goals, 779 assists).

As Kyle Davidson looks to improve his team and surround Connor Bedard with a solid core, it'll be interesting to see if they'll be able to work out a deal with Patrick Kane to bring him back to the Windy City.