The Athletic Reporting That A Patrick Kane Return To Chicago Isn't Impossible This Summer
(source)--
Up until a few weeks ago, I was confident Kane wouldn’t be returning to the Blackhawks next season.
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.
Be still my heart.
I still highly doubt this happens. It almost feels like they're throwing the ball down the hall and expecting me to chase it. Well...that is exactly what I am going to do. Kane should be here. He actually never should've left. I never understood any of the talking points from management about Kane. Fresh cut grass or whatever Kyle said. Clearly space for the young guys to be leaders. Then immediately bringing in an assortment of veterans who have no chance of creating or connecting with the culture. Something was always fishy about that. Maybe Chelios Night in February tugged at the heartstrings of people like Danny Wirtz and showed that 88 can still play.
If you removed the name from Kane's resume he would be EXACTLY the type of veteran you'd want to bring in. Still highly productive at about a point per game. Very high IQ which would pair perfectly with how Connor Bedard plays. Neither Kane or Bedard play at 1000MPH like McDavid or MacKinnon. Kane knows how to win. Works tirelessly at his craft. Has a history of bringing along young players who also love the game of hockey (see: Debrincat and Strome). Kane would help the PP immensely. Imagine a 1-3-1 with Kane and Bedard on their strong sides playing downhill. Kane won't be nearly as expensive as the other veteran UFAs out there. He also won't command the type of term that might be scary for a team that is planning for the future. It's perfect.
And...if you add the name to it...chills. He's back where he belongs. In a city where he is loved. A city where he still wants to raise his family, his number to the rafters, and a place where he raised an organization from the dead. Just bring him back. Right the wrong. Move forward. Climb the standings. Start to win. Start to deliver. Give fans what they actually want. What we deserve. What he deserves.
