Guess who’s back? The Detroit Red Wings, tell a friend. Part 1

Upward & onward: bad guys becoming good guys? Patrick Kane

Good and bad are matters of perspective. 

As a Detroit Red Wings fan spending part of my life in Western New York, I was aware of one Patrick Kane. 

It hadn’t occurred to me that he would ever wear the Winged Wheel. I saw reports that the Detroit Red Wings and Kane had mutual interest, but come on. It’s Patrick Kane, he could sign anywhere, right? Right?

The closer it became to being a reality, the more confused I became (nothing new in my world).

I just didn’t understand why he would choose the Detroit Red Wings. If I’m being honest, I’m still not sure why. With the kind of contract he could get on the open market (longer term, more years), closer to family, or a chance to chase after Lord Stanley, I just find it…interesting.

Maybe outsiders will claim Kane’s washed up, old, and far removed from the superstar the NHL once knew–before the injuries and surgery.

However, Kane stepped in and immediately played like an above-average player. The notorious career-ending surgery wasn’t much of a concern after the first handful of games.

It seemed like us fans were being treated to a live-action movie rather than real life.

For a team starved of goosebump moments, I lost count of the number of times I had them throughout last season. I’ll admit many of those moments were at least in part from Kane. The other moments likely involved some combination of Raymond, DeBrincat, 

To know those calls had a similar impact on Kane, who has played in every situation and high-stakes game imaginable is something:

Would Kane have signed with the Detroit Red Wings if DeBrincat wasn’t with the organization? 

Thankfully, we won’t ever know, but I’m always curious about the “what if” scenarios.

Although Kane seemed to apply an indirect pressure to DeBrincat, which may have played a part in his lack of counting stats, I think in the long run that Kane signing an extension will be beneficial for the Detroit Red Wings and DeBrincat.

To me, it’s mind-blowing that Kane was so adamant to sign with the Detroit Red Wings in the first place. 

I didn’t peg him as a closeted Detroit Red Wings fan, but listening to him in his initial media availability, it sure sounded like he was one. Funny enough, he’s said things I wished most players joining the Detroit Red Wings would say. 

Compared to other players, especially young ones, Kane wasn’t restricted to YouTube highlights of former Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg and alternate captain Pavel Datsyuk, he watched it live. I can’t imagine the impression they must have left.

Then, when I heard both Kane’s media availability, he seemed to play things off like both parties were interested in signing him. Meanwhile, the Steve Yzerman media availability at the time made it seem like his party was a bit more interested than they let on, almost as if Yzerman thought it would be a good idea but didn’t think he’d have a chance in heck at Kane.

I mean, who thought the Detroit Red Wings would have a chance at Kane? I sure didn’t.

The most interesting aspect to me from this Kane saga has to be his contracts in terms of dollar figures and terms. They have to be some of the most relatively team-friendly contracts in the NHL.

It’s unconscionable that the Detroit Red Wings offered Kane the highest dollar amount or term, especially after the 2023-24 season came to a close. 

Even with a questionable reputation off of the ice, the matter of his health, and his age, there must have been a handful of teams rolling out the red carpet for him.

For whatever reasons, he’s investing in the Detroit Red Wings as much as anyone. I can’t wait to see who or what Kane brings to the ice next season, including the next player in this list.