Patrick Kane Returns to Chicago

It happened. The Chicago Blackhawks signed Patrick Kane to a two year deal with a $8 million cap hit and a full no-move clause. Many fans are beyond thrilled to have 88 back in Chicago. But how much will Kane add to the Hawks?

Let's get my reaction out of the way first. The fan inside of me is thrilled. I can't wait to see Kane in a Blackhawks sweater again. But I don't thick this was the best move.

In his three years with the Detroit Red Wings, Patrick Kane scored 163 points in his 189 games. Last season, Kane scored 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games. For fancy stats, he posted a 50.32% Corsi and a 52.77% expected goals share (both at 5v5). His expected goals per 60 on the power play ranked 54th overall on a Red Wings power play that ranked 12th overall.

And it's on the power play for the Blackhawks that Kane will likely have the largest impact. Especially when Connor Bedard is healthy again and if Bowen Byram is everything Kyle Davidson hopes that he is.

But was this the right move for the Hawks.

Much like how the Byram trade in a vacuum makes the blue line better, Kane helps a squeamish looking top-six. No, Kane's contract won't hurt the Hawks' cap. But he's not the big top-six free agent signing that automatically makes this team a playoff team. 

If the Hawks do somehow make the playoffs, that's because a lot went right with the kids. 

Looking at this with rosy glasses, Kane will help Frank Nazar at 1C and Roman Kantserov (who we still don't know what exactly he is). 

Looking at this with a glass half empty, and this move really feels like something Kyle Davidson did to please the fans who are slowly growing more impatient with the rebuild. Last season, it was Davidson who firmly shut down any prospect of Kane returning to the Hawks. 

So, what gives? Why the turnaround?

I have a feeling there was some pressure from Danny Wirtz. Kane will fill the United Center, day one of the 2026-27 season. This is guaranteed to generate revenue that I have a feeling was going to take a slight dip with Bedard being absent the first month and a season that might not be too different from last year.

Either way, welcome back to Chicago, 88.