Connor Bedard is all about the Blackhawks bringing back franchise great Patrick Kane, but is that a good idea?
Patrick Kane, the leading American-born goal scorer in NHL history, is still a free agent, and Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard thinks it’s time to bring Showtime back to Chi-Town.
The 37-year-old spent 15 seasons and changes in Chicago after being drafted first overall in the 2007 Draft, helping the team win Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
They traded him to the New York Rangers in 2023, meaning he and Bedard have never played together before, but there’s a real chance of that happening with Kane on the open market.
CONNOR BEDARD RESIGNED WITH THE BLACKHAWKS, ENDING HOPES FOR A NEW NHL OFFER PAGE THIS OFF-SEASON
“I don’t know what I can say to convince him of his decision, but obviously we would all be very excited to have a player like that and a guy like that,” Bedard told NHL.com. he said. “I can’t even imagine his first game (at the United Center with the Blackhawks), the reaction he’s going to get and how much energy it’s going to bring to not only our team but our fans. It would be incredible to play with him and learn from him.”
This came after former Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios claimed on his Chicago sports radio show that Kane would end up with either Chicago or Buffalo.
Considering they just got back into the playoffs, it’s a good time to go to Buffalo. Moreover, Kane could do the same thing Buffalo native and longtime Blackhawks teammate Jonathan Toews did with the Winnipeg Jets and finish his career with his hometown team.
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But they don’t need him like the Blackhawks do.
Patrick Kane could be a smart addition to the Blackhawks, who will need help early next season with Connor Bedard leaving the team after surgery. (Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Bedard will miss the start of the season following shoulder surgery. If the Blackhawks want to keep up with the killers in the Central Division, they need to get off to a strong start and join the ranks when Bedard returns.
What could be better than adding a veteran presence who can still bring that offensively?
While Kane hasn’t produced as much as he did at his peak, he did have 57 points (16G, 41A) in 67 games.
For a team that finished second from last in goalscoring last season, it’s probably worth bringing him in if he’s up for it.
Patrick Kane was a part of three Blackhawks teams that won the Stanley Cup in the 2010s. (Photo: Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Chicago’s projected cap space is currently $14.31 million, which would be more than enough to bring in Kane, who made $3,000,000 on a one-year deal with the Red Wings last season.
Of course, it will be his decision, and if both the Sabers and Blackhawks want him, will he go for the more likely playoff berth, or will he bring things full circle and take on a bigger role within the team?
