What a difference a year makes.
Twelve months ago, Patrick Kane sat at his end-of-season media availability. Based on his comments, he used many specific words that distanced himself from the team. Rather than “we,” it was “they.” Spoken like an outsider ready to spread his wings to other skies.
His season started like he was on the edges of the team, looking in, as well. Although he was trying, things weren’t clicking—like plenty of other veterans on the Detroit Red Wings. After Todd McLellan took over as head coach of the Wings, Kane never looked back. Kane might have benefited most from this coaching change. It’s possible that Kane has a coach whom he trusts and plays well under has convinced Kane to stay longer in Hockeytown.
Playing on a line with Alex DeBrincat regularly helped Kane, too.
Patrick Kane says Detroit Red Wings have a mutual interest in a contract extension
Contrasting the media availability from 12 months ago, the media availability from Saturday included surprising word choices. No longer is Kane referring to the Wings as separate from himself; Kane seemed to include himself in the team.
Also, Kane seemed as optimistic about the team as anyone I heard from, including our captain, Dylan Larkin. Larkin seemed a bit more reserved this time around.
Kane’s optimism is likely a reflection of his night-and-day change under McLellan.
Kane finished the 2024-25 campaign (in his 72 games played) fourth overall in scoring on the Detroit Red Wings: 59 points (21 goals and 38 assists), third in power play goals, and second in total power play points with 29. Not to mention, Kane's presence alone on the power play opens up ice for his team.
Not to mention his mind: he justs understands how to create an effective power play unit. With how valuable special teams battles are keeping Kane for his power play prowess alone should be a priority.
When we add in his six, team-leading game-winning goals, it drives the point even further. Kane belongs on this Red Wings team. They need him.
For people interested in additional context in terms of counting stats, per Hockey Reference, from October through December (prior to the coaching change at the end of December), Kane earned 17 points (seven goals and 10 assists) in 32 games played, along with a -8 rating. His shooting percentage averaged 10.7%.
From January on, Kane played in 40 games and recorded 14 goals and 28 assists for a total of 42 points (over a point per game). He recorded a -8 rating and an average shooting percentage of 13.25%.
In short, everything aside from his plus minus rating improved, which remained the same throughout the season.
As I watched Kane, my eye test supported these changes in his statistical output. Kane played like a confident, five-year-younger player under McLellan. He played with purpose. Something that seemed to be lacking in the first half of the season. In the beginning of the season, Kane seemed to float.
Part of that might be the coach. Having a leader with clear communication and confidence goes a long way in a participant’s on-ice performance.
The coaching change wasn’t the only positive impact on Kane’s game. Throughout last season, when Kane was asked about his hip, he confirmed it felt good. However, midway through this season, Kane expressed that his hip is finally feeling like his own—meaning in the previous season it didn’t feel like part of his own body.
I can’t imagine walking on a borrowed hip, let alone playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) on one, but that’s what Kane did all last season. It’s impressive how well he played in spite of the circumstances.
While researching on his Hockey Reference page, I found an intriguing statistic. At home (in 35 games), Kane recorded an even rating, but a -16 rating on the road (in 37 games played). He scored 14 goals at home as opposed to 7 on the road, and assisted on 35 at home as opposed to 24 points on the road. His shooting percentage was at 15.1% at home, meanwhile his shooting percentage was 8.5% on the road. It seems that Kane really enjoys playing at home.
I’m curious as to what the difference was in playing at home versus on the road. Maybe the road is uncomfortable (whether physically or mentally)?
At any rate, it’s nice to hear that Kane wants to re-sign in Hockeytown, as he is part of a much-needed solution for the Detroit Red Wings.
He brings leadership, experience, and offensive skills that are off the charts. Even at 36 years of age, he’s one of the best shooters and playmakers on the team.
The young players within the organization, even defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka, look up to Kane. He’s someone young players can learn from, choosing skills to adapt to their own games.
As importantly, Kane carries weight within the NHL. He’s one of the big reasons that Vladimir Tarasenko has signed in Detroit. Of course, this Tarasenko signing hasn’t worked out very well for either party, but the idea is what’s important.
Players are more likely to sign with a Red Wings organization that has Kane signed, rather than a Kane-less Wings organization.
Considering how well Kane has played with the Detroit Red Wings, it seems like a mutual contract extension will work out well for both parties.
I could see Kane wanting more term on his deal, which would be a reasonable request. If the Wings and Kane could agree on a two-to-three-year deal, I think it would be digestible for both parties. I don't think Kane would prevent younger players from moving into the top-six. If he underperforms or wants to move, I think a shorter term contract provides the needed flexibility.
Do you want to see Kane extended?