No matter how this season ends, the Detroit Red Wings have some difficult decisions to make this offseason.
Four straight years of failure in March, coupled with a complete lack of even-strength scoring and an impotent power play are a recipe for disaster. Something big needs to change about this team and quickly. The Red Wings cannot approach next season with the same roster and expect different results.
That's why it's time for the team to move on from Patrick Kane.
Why the Red Wings need to move on
If you just look at the box scores, the entire premise of this article may seem ludicrous. After all, Patrick Kane is a 50-point winger. He's one of the only players actually putting the puck in the net as of late. Plus, his chemistry with Alex DeBrincat helps to bring an extra layer to the team's leading scorer.
Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|
15 | 37 | 52 |
Why, then, should the Red Wings move on from him?
In his prime, Kane was the kind of player you could rely on for scoring, but he left a lot to be desired defensively. During that point in time, his production more than made up for his lack of defensive effort. After all, the Chicago Blackhawks could always win a high-scoring game with a guy like Kane on the roster.
Now, however, Kane is several steps behind. He doesn't skate as fast as he did when he was younger. He isn't able to get into position like he would in his prime. He can't react as quickly anymore. Without the high levels of production Kane produced in the past, his defensive lapses become more noticeable.
At 37 years of age, it's hard to expect more than what he's already done. But, at this point in the rebuild, the Red Wings should not rely on a 37-year-old for scoring. If the team can't survive without him, that's a sign of a bigger problem. If they can find a replacement (and they'll need to eventually), his loss won't be much of a detriment to the team.
Kane's mistakes magnified in playoff race
Worst of all, in a must-win game against the Minnesota Wild, Kane took an extremely selfish, boneheaded penalty late in the third period that cost the Red Wings the game. That kind of penalty would be looked upon lighter if it were made by a rookie. But, for a veteran of Kane's pedigree, it's unacceptable.
Patrick Kane, after scoring the tying goal in a wild 3 goal comeback, takes one of the most needless, stupid penalties I've ever seen late in the 3rd period, leading to a Minnesota goal & a regulation loss for Detroit with their season on the line.
Can't believe it. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/z9YQirClyp
Should the Red Wings miss a playoff spot by two points, that failure to clinch may very well rest upon his shoulders.
Outside solutions for Patrick Kane
It might seem tough to replace Kane's production. After all, it's not every day you happen across a 50-point winger. Fortunately, a multitude of solutions exist to facilitate the transition. If the Red Wings are looking in free agency for a 50-point winger, they can sign one of the following players:
- Anthony Mantha: 31 goals, 30 assists, 60 points in 2025-26
- Alex Tuch (while unlikely, still a possibility): 29 goals, 32 assists, 61 points
- Charlie Coyle: 18 goals, 38 assists, 56 points
- Viktor Arvidsson: 24 goals, 27 assists, 51 points
Should the Red Wings seek an internal solution, they can always tap the prospect pool. Perhaps it's time to give Michael Bransegg-Nygard a full-time shot on the top-six. Or, maybe, pending a strong offseason, Marco Kasper starts to thrive.
No matter the method of their solution, the writing is on the wall with Patrick Kane. It's time for the organization to move on.