Here’s The Likely Cost If the Blackhawks Would Want a Patrick Kane Reunion

Patrick Kane and the Detroit Red Wings were a perfect match for one another. The former was coming back to prove he was still Showtime while the latter was trying to come back to prominence as a contender in the NHL. It worked out well for both–but it still didn’t result in a playoff berth–a disappointment for both.

So when Kane finished his locker clean out and his comments were spoken in the past tense, there was a buzz that perhaps he’ll not only move on, but that maybe the door was open in Chicago for a reunion.

Oh, and then there was this tweet today:

Thank you Red Wings, my teammates, coaches and all the fans of Hockey Town for welcoming me and my family with open arms this season. This past year gave us memories we’ll never forget. The work doesn’t stop. #LGRW

— Patrick Kane (@88PKane) April 24, 2024

So is it a precursor to an extension in Detroit? Or could he possibly be trying to send a sign that he’s going elsewhere–and even Chicago is included on that list?

The problem with the latter is that is it’s been radio silent with the Blackhawks. General manager Kyle Davidson spoke to it later by saying that door had been shut.

“I think we made our decision that we were going to move on from Jonathan and Patrick,” Davidson told radio hosts Mully and Haugh back in May 2023. “It was not an easy decision but one we thought gave these young players coming in the best opportunity into those leadership roles that Jonathan and Patrick filled so amazingly for so long.”

But let’s say for a moment after seeing that Kane had returned to form, and he would benefit the Blackhawks with their growing core–could a window be opened for a Kane return?

Patrick Kane Would Likely Get At Least $5 Million

Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen wrote recently about the Red Wings’ cap woes, another cautionary tale for the Blackhawks who promise to be prudent when it comes to spending. Red Wings manager Steve Yzerman inherited a nightmare, and seemed to have cleared it up–until even he gave out a few curious deals that may have impacted their future.

So with Kane’s tweet today, is it that Yzerman simply can’t bring him back financially or that the team and Kane have decided to move forward without one another?

According to the Detroit Hockey Now article, it states that Kane “justified to ask for $5 million-plus.” It’s likely the deal wouldn’t extend beyond two years due to his age. It gives a bit of term at a nice price, too.

That easily within the Blackhawks budget and would keep to Davidson’s short-term deals. It would also be an instant upgrade on a top line with Philipp Kurashev and Connor Bedard along with the power play unit.

So it sounds. like a major win for the Blackhawks, Kane, and the fans. Now, it’s just a matter of whether it’s even in the cards. For all that Davidson said about building a locker room with new voices leading the way, bringing Patrick Kane back would go against that thinking.

But time can change perceptions. At the very least, it’s a chance to solve some issues where term and dollars wouldn’t be a concern. It sure seems like a win for both sides.

But would the Blackhawks brass agree? Guess it’s time to wait and see.

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