Patrick Kane remains mum on his future with the Detroit Red Wings

The former Conn Smythe, Hart, and Art Ross trophy winner, and eventually first-ballot Hall of Fame winger recently talked glowingly about his decision to join the Detroit Red Wings following his hip resurfacing surgery but was reluctant to commit to anything past this season.

One of the biggest decisions Steve Yzerman needs to make this summer is whether Patrick Kane fits into Detroit's plans beyond this year and if the sniper has enjoyed his time with the Red Wings enough to want to return.

“It’s been great,” Kane said of his time in Detroit. “Nothing but positive things to say about the organization, the coaches and the team in here.

That said, Kane remained mum on his future with the organization. “I think just with the situation I was in and coming in and being here for maybe three-quarters of the season or whatever it was, it’s just this year, and then we’ll see what happens,” Kane said. I haven’t really thought about it much,” Kane said of what’s ahead for him this summer. “Obviously, it’s in the back of your mind. It’s gonna come up eventually. Obviously, it’s not an easy decision on deciding where you want to play, where you think you’d fit best,” Kane admits. “Hopefully, all that stuff figures itself out.”

I find it hard to believe that Kane hasn't 'thought about it much,' but what else would you expect him to say? His future is something that should/will be determined following the season. The veteran winger knows how to deflect the questions and will point to the postseason push as his primary focus, as it should be at this point.

Is Patrick Kane staying or leaving? This critical question will remain unanswered over the next few weeks, maybe months.

My two cents and that's about all it's worth: I keep going back to Patrick Kane selecting the Detroit Red Wings over others who were rumored to have a serious interest in his services. Did he think the Red Wings were Stanley Cup contenders? No. He chose the Red Wings over the likes of Toronto, Florida, and his hometown Buffalo Sabres. Kane met with Steve Yzerman and Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde as he wanted to be sure of his role and what would be expected of him. Also, you've seen those heartwarming videos of Kane and DeBrincat's family as the two walk down the tunnel toward the ice pre-game. There is a human element involved here. DeBrincat is the main reason Kane was drawn to the Red Wings, and despite his recent struggles, DeBrincat will be in Detroit for quite some time. The relationship between the two definitely factors into Kane's decision.

For Yzerman and the Red Wings, bringing Kane back needs to make sense. The transaction needs to work financially, and Yzerman needs to be comfortable with whatever term Kane and his camp will be seeking. After proving to be completely healthy, Kane and his point-per-game production will have a ton of suitors this summer. The Detroit Red Wings must navigate the salary cap, but they are expected to enter the summer with the sixth most available space. However, they need to extend Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider.

Kane also briefly discussed how he's feeling physically. “The thing is, I’m not feeling pain on the ice,” Kane said. “That’s a lot different than what I was used to the past couple of years, two and a half seasons. Obviously feel like it’s going to get better and better as time goes on, which is exciting.”