Patrick Kane is set to sign with the Detroit Red Wings, as per multiple reports, concluding a prolonged free agency period and a recovery period following hip surgery.
The 35-year-old forward, who played for both the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Rangers last season, participated in 73 games, registering 21 goals and 36 assists.
Kane’s ties with the Blackhawks spanned 16 years, during which he consistently posed a challenge for the Red Wings, especially when Detroit was part of the Western Conference.
In an August interview with the AP, Kane expressed optimism about his recovery after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery on June 1. He conveyed his excitement about the progress and returning to top form on the ice.
Although the specific timeline for Kane’s debut with the Red Wings remains unclear, he hinted in August that an early return was possible.
However, he emphasized the importance of ensuring he reaches peak performance before making a comeback, indicating a preference for a full recovery over a quicker return to the ice.
Hailing from Buffalo, New York, Kane holds the second-highest point total among U.S.-born players, trailing only Mike Modano with 1,237 points.
A pivotal player in Chicago’s Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015, Kane was honored with the Hart Trophy as the league MVP in 2016.
Selected as the NHL’s top draft pick in 2007, Kane underwent a similar hip surgery as other notable players like Washington’s Nicklas Backstrom and Carl Hagelin in the past year.
The procedure involves dislocating the upper end of the thighbone, trimming it, capping it, removing cartilage, and then returning it to its original position.
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