The Detroit Red Wings got a genuine 21st-century miracle from Patrick Kane. His return to the NHL following hip resurfacing surgery is truly a modern medical breakthrough. This type of surgery typically helps patients improve their quality of life, potentially returning to a normal life.
That’s a normal life, not playing professional hockey.
But here we are with Patrick Kane, a testament to the human spirit and unwavering commitment to being the best. That’s what the Detroit Red Wings are missing. Sure, they miss his scoring, elite passing skills, and leadership.
Kane’s a three-time Stanley Cup champ and knows what it takes to go from Day 1 of training camp to the last buzzer in the Stanley Cup Final.
That’s just what a young, up-and-coming team like the Detroit Red Wings needs. Kane is a role model for young players like Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Marco Kasper. The 36-year-old has been a type of older brother for captain Dylan Larkin.
Yes, Patrick Kane has five points in five games. He’s well above a point-per-game in his entire career. He’s also the type of player who works phenomenally well in the power play. Those are all, shall we say, hard skills related to his job.
It’s the soft skills, those “intangibles” you often hear sportscasters talk about, that Kane brings to the table. That’s why Steve Yzerman was adamant about bringing Patrick Kane. In a manner of speaking, it was like your older brother coming home from college for the summer. That older presence, full of wisdom, among a bunch of high school kids, is the reason why the Detroit Red Wings miss Patrick Kane much more than fans believe.
Red Wings could see Patrick Kane back in lineup sooner rather than later
Patrick Kane could be back with the team as soon as the weekend. The Detroit Free Press reported that Kane could be back at practice on Thursday, with the possibility of playing at some point in the upcoming days.
“There’s a real good chance he can skate with us on Thursday,” Todd McLellan told the Free Press on Tuesday.
That’s a major step after being out since Oct. 17. Kane, who’ll turn 37 later this month, could be on track to hit the ice at some point this weekend.
The Red Wings will face the New York Rangers at home on Friday night, and then the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. If Kane can’t go for either one of those two games, he could be ready to return next Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks.
Ultimately, the decision to return is up to Kane. Even if he’s medically cleared to play, the veteran will have the final say in when he hits the ice. Knowing Kane, he’ll be back in the lineup as soon as doctors give him the all-clear.