The Detroit Red Wings announced that Patrick Kane has signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal on Tuesday.
Prior to being traded to the New York Rangers this spring, Kane played for the Chicago Blackhawks for the first 16 years of his NHL career. He had hip resurfacing surgery six months ago. Over the last month, the nine-time All-Star had meetings with a few clubs, including the Buffalo Sabres of his homeland, the Florida Panthers, the Dallas Stars, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Boston Bruins.
In the last week of his decision-making, Kane reportedly reduced his options to two Eastern Conference clubs. There are no perks attached to his contract with the Red Wings, according to sources.
For the previous six months, Kane, 35, moved his family to Toronto as he recovered from surgery. Kane’s hip resurfacing was done by Dr. Edward Hsu, and Ian MacIntyre managed his rehabilitation. While in Toronto, Kane skated with Cody Goloubef, a former NHL player, who gave him pucks and assisted with combat exercises.
Several sources claim that when general managers and coaches questioned Kane on Zoom about why he wanted to put his body through the taxing rehabilitation process—especially for a procedure that had no evidence of success in the NHL—he would consistently respond, “Because I love the game.”
According to insiders, Kane shown humility throughout the process by repeatedly stating that he understood he had “to earn my spot” and that he wasn’t expecting to be on a team’s top line or first power play unit.
Throughout his NHL career, Kane has scored 1,237 points in 1,180 games, which is fourth highest among current players. Among active players, he has the sixth-most goals in his career (451).
Ultimately, insiders say that Kane was taken aback by Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde’s strategic vision for the squad and his X’s and O’s hockey skills. Kane will also get to see Alex DeBrincat again, one of his favorite linemates from Chicago, thanks to the trade.
Kane kept in contact with other players who had hip resurfacing throughout his recuperation, including as Andy Murray, a tennis player, and Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals, who just announced his retirement from the game.
Despite a seven-year postseason absence, the Red Wings are beginning to make headway in their reconstruction.
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