Patrick Kane has POWERFUL statement on a potential return to Chicago.
Patrick Kane’s tenure with the Blackhawks will come to an abrupt end in February 2023. Kane was dealt to the New York Rangers, marking the end of a remarkable era in Blackhawks hockey.
Patrick Kane’s recent comments to Scott Powers of The Athletic suggest that he believes he still has a shot to return to Chicago. And finish his NHL career where it began.
“If they approached me and said, ‘We want you to be a Blackhawk for life. Can we figure something out? I believe it would have been difficult to say no, just because of what transpired there, the success we had, and our relationship with the organization,” Kane explained.
Kane then discusses the comfort that comes with playing in Chicago for 16 years. Kane treasures that time, but he also enjoys the experiences he’s had playing hockey outside of Chicago for the first time.
“Being there (Chicago) for a long time and kind of being comfortable in the situation and just kind of what you do on a day-to-day basis, there’s definitely some comfort in that,” Kane told the Tribune. “But I think it’s been beneficial for me to have new experiences. Even though things did not go as smoothly as I had planned in New York, I still considered it a valuable experience for me.
Kane then discussed Connor Bedard and the future of the Blackhawks team. He thinks it’s excellent that supporters are excited and optimistic about the future
“It’s good,” Kane said about Bedard. “I believe his presence in Chicago benefits the league. Chicago is a fantastic hockey market. And I believe he can truly establish himself there and become a prominent player. He is already well promoted across the league, which I believe is good.
It provides the league and its fans with something to get enthusiastic about. You can see this with the Winter Classic and other projects he is involved with. It’s good. I know they are attempting to reconstruct something there. With a guy like that, that appears to be the best way to get started.”
Powers then asked Kane what his plans were once the 2023-2024 season concluded. Kane answered with doubt, waiting to see how things unfolded. Kane is not rushing to make a decision.
“We’ll see what happens,” Kane replied. “Just trying to live in the now and appreciate it. I’m not sure what will happen at the end of the year, but I’m not scared right now.
To be honest, it’s great to be back on the ice, especially with my hip feeling better, and to be a part of a winning team that’s striving to make the playoffs. It’s been extremely enjoyable.”
About The Author
