When news that Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane planned to return to the Chicago Blackhawks hit, reactions were mixed.
Some were distraught to see a top-six scorer ride off into the sunset. Others were relieved at the potential of his open roster spot. No matter your opinion, the fact of the matter is that the Red Wings are now in need of a top-six scorer to replace Patrick Kane's production.
For the most part, they've tried to make up scoring in the aggregate, signing Viktor Arvidsson and opening up roster spots for young players to take over. That said, losing both Kane and soon-to-be-former captain Dylan Larkin spells almost certain doom for this team's offense.
It's unrealistic to expect rookies to not only become NHL regulars, but also replicate (or surpass) the performance of long-term vets like Kane and Larkin.
So why, then, is it a good thing in the long run that Kane isn't on the roster?
Red Wings destined for tough season in 2026-27
Whether the Red Wings signed Kane or not is completely irrelevant given the team's current outlook. Before the season starts, they need to do the following:
- Hire a general manager
- Extend Simon Edvinsson
- Trade (or try to trade) Dylan Larkin
- Figure out what to do with Alex DeBrincat
- Determine the direction of the franchise
Even with Kane on the roster, the prospect of Andrew Copp or Marco Kasper filling in as the team's first line center isn't encouraging. Kane would likely help the Red Wings win a game or two, certainly, but what good would that do when the team is 16 points out of playoff contention?
The Red Wings have one of the hardest schedules in the NHL this season. It might be best if they simply accept that fate and bottom out in 2026-27.
Why Kane moving on is a good thing in the long run
If the team does decide to bottom out, this is a great opportunity for the Red Wings to embrace a youth movement. The new general manager will no doubt want to see how Detroit's current prospects are panning out. With a lineup replete with holes, this is as good an opportunity as ever for a young player to make an impact.
Keeping Kane around would only serve as a logjam to the team's top-six. Now, the team has a chance to see what a young prospect like, say, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard can do with more ice time.
While morale may be low with the this tumultuous offseason, change is often uncomfortable. It's clear Steve Yzerman's work at general manager wasn't doing much. Dylan Larkin's leadership wasn't enough to get the Red Wings to the playoffs. Patrick Kane, despite his talent, couldn't will the Red Wings into the playoffs.
Thus, a change had to be made.
Add us as a preferred source on Google