CHICAGO (WLS) — Patrick Kane is returning to the Chicago Blackhawks, the team announced Thursday.
The team said Kane signed to a two-year contract with an $8 million salary cap hit. Kane played 16 seasons with the Blackhawks, leading the team to three Stanley Cups.
Hawks legend and former broadcaster Eddie Olczyk spoke on the return of Patrick Kane Thursday.
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The Blackhawks picked Kane with the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft. Kane made his debut that season along with fellow rookie Jonathan Toews.
The Blackhawks traded Kane to the New York Rangers in the 2022-23 season. The winger played the past three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
The winger has scored 446 career goals and 779 assists in his career with the Blackhawks. His total of 1,225 points is second in team history behind Stan Mikita’s 1,467 points.
In addition to three Stanley Cups, Kane individually has won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s MVP in 2016, along with the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer, the Conn Smythe Trophy, the playoff MVP, in 2013 and the Calder Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year in 2008.
Blackhawks fans expressed excitement Thursday after learning that Patrick Kane is returning to the team on a two-year deal, a move many hope will reunite a franchise icon with a new generation of talent led by Connor Bedard.
The news prompted enthusiasm among fans at the United Center, with some anticipating increased demand for tickets and season-ticket packages as Kane returns to the organization where he became a fan favorite and a key figure in the team’s championship years.
“Just nostalgia, it takes us back to when we had the dynasty, winning Stanley cups, seeing showtime celebrations. The crowd going electric and all that is coming back,” said Adam Story, a season-ticket holder.
Kane’s No. 88 jersey remains popular among fans, including younger hockey players who said they grew up watching him and modeling their game after his style of play.
“I’m really excited because I grew up watching him. I’m from the city; so it’s nice to see him come back because he’s one of the players I looked up to growing up,” said Helen Lane, a young hockey player.
Fans also said they believe Kane’s experience could benefit a roster filled with young talent.
“He’s gonna bring the history of Stanley cup victories. He’s gonna tell them what this stadium is like when the Blackhawks are doing well, the old intangibles. It’s gonna be a very positive effect. I’m very excited,” said lifelong fan Tom McMahon. “I just have to talk my wife into it.”
The excitement has also extended to ticket sales, with fans already planning for Kane’s return to the United Center this fall.
“Already asking for more tickets for the home opener now to bring more family and friends,” one fan said.
The Blackhawks’ home opener is scheduled for Oct. 6 against the St. Louis Blues. Ticket prices were already approaching $200 for the lowest-priced seats on some third-party ticket sites.
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