Patrick Kane is signing a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.
Kane, who spent the first 16 years of his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks before a trade to the New York Rangers last spring, is six months out from hip resurfacing surgery. The nine-time All-Star has met with five teams over the past month, including his hometown Buffalo Sabres, the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins.
According to sources, Kane narrowed his choices and was down to two Eastern Conference teams in the final week of his decision. His deal with the Red Wings does not include any incentives, sources said.
According to several sources, Kane was asked on Zoom meetings by general managers and coaches why he wanted to put his body through the grueling rigors of a rehab process, especially for a surgery with little proof of concept in the NHL, and his answer was repeatedly: “Because I love the game.”
Kane exuded humbleness and humility through the process, sources said, constantly saying he knew he needed “to earn my spot,” and saying he did not expect to play on a team’s first line or first power-play unit. He is willing to be a role player.
Embed from Getty ImagesKane has accumulated 1,237 points in 1,180 games during his NHL career, fourth-most among active players. His 451 career goals is the sixth-most among active players.
What it came down to in the end, according to sources, Kane was impressed by Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde’s X’s and O’s hockey acumen and vision for the team. The move also gives Kane a chance to reunite with one of his favorite Chicago linemates, Alex DeBrincat.
Throughout the long arduous rehab process, Kane was in communication with other athletes who had hip resurfacing, including Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom, who recently stepped away from the game, as well as tennis star Andy Murray.
The Red Wings are in the midst of a seven-year playoff drought, but they are starting to show signs of progress in the extended rebuild. As of Tuesday, Detroit is in third place in the Atlantic Division with an 11-6-3 record.
