Blackhawks Big Day: Chris Chelios Night and Patrick Kane’s Return

If Chicago Blackhawks fans are on overload today, they can be excused. Sunday promises to be one of those days they’ll never forget for a myriad of reasons.

In September, the Blackhawks announced that they would be pulling Chris Chelios’ iconic #7 to the rafters, retiring the number of one of hockey’s greatest icons.

It was exciting–at the time–that it would be against the Detroit Red Wings, who Chelios was infamously traded to in 1999 and went onto stay with for over a decade.

Then it only got bigger in December.

Kane Signs With Detroit, Faces Blackhawks Tonight

Coming off of a hip resurfacing, Patrick Kane took his time re-signing and wouldn’t you know it, chose the Detroit Red Wings. Not only was friend and former Blackhawks forward Alex DeBrincat on the team, but Detroit was up and coming in their rebuild process.

Oh, and Kane’s official return to United Center ice since his trade last year would be with one of Chicago’s most hated rivals. All of it now leads up to a day jammed with nostalgia for fans from Chelios and 90’s themed everything to the beloved superstar of the 2010’s returning to face his old team for the first time.

only '90s kids remember NHL '94….or don't remember…😂 pic.twitter.com/a39fkJWBr7

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 24, 2024

So yes, Blackhawks fans can be excused for potentially being reduced to a pool of tears whether they’re birthday stretches back to the late 70’s or the early 2000’s.

It’s a night not only for the fans, but for Chelios and Kane to have their respective glorious moments, albeit for different reasons.

Now imagine if Connor Bedard gets a hat trick.