The Detroit Red Wings are in offseason mode now, with all of the players' lockers cleaned out and the playoffs underway.
Now that the offseason is here, many fans have began speculating what the Red Wings' plan will be this offseason with trades and free agent acquisitions.
While we will get to trade targets eventually, let's take a look at the free agents because there is one in particular that makes the most sense for the Red Wings. With the free agent market for 2026 looking a bit thin, Patrick Kane has been a name that's been thrown around recently and has divided the Wings fan base.
Why the Red Wings should re-sign Patrick Kane
Some fans think Kane is too old and might be a little washed up while others see Kane as still a very productive asset to the Red Wings team trying to get over the hump. Kane has been a part of this team for three years now. For three years, he's been quite productive.
Some may disagree that he has been productive and they want more form Kane and they are not necessarily wrong. Kane is 37 and he'll be 38 by next November. He even had hip resurfacing surgery a couple years ago. Still, he continues to play at a high level.
The first part in the decision to re-sign Kane is going to be the "fit" part of it. Does he still fit with this group? Can he be a difference-maker? The simple answer is, yes, he does, but the longer answer is why he fits:
Patrick Kane makes the Red Wings better
In each of his last three seasons, Kane has scored 40 or more points and put up 15 or more goals. He also became the highest-scoring American-born player this past season and eclipsed the 500 career goal mark to add to his résumé.
His chemistry with Alex Debrincat is through the roof. When they're together, excitement is sure to follow. DeBrincat and Kane make up two thirds of the Red Wings' best 5v5 line this season. Best of all, Kane is a power play wizard and helped to bolster Detroit's offensive ability with special teams.
His hands and his mind make Kane a very lethal option on the power play. Despite their downturn later in the season, the Red Wings had an excellent power play these past couple seasons. A lot of that has to do with Kane and his ability to score and set up goals in highlight reel fashion.
Detroit is home for the Kane family
Best of all, Kane likes playing here. His son, Trick, became a social media darling this year and is friends with Alex DeBrincat's son. Why would he uproot his family for the sake of chasing another cup or more money? He has three Stanley Cups and a handful of awards.
Kane mentioned in his end of season media availability that money does not matter to him and he would love to be part of the solution here in Detroit. But, ultimately it is Steve Yzerman's decision on whether or not the team should bring back Kane.
Patrick Kane on his future with Red Wings: “Everything’s so fresh right now. I thought we’d be playing right now. You think you’d be in the playoffs.”
April 17, 2026
“I’d love to be part of the solution that helps us get over the hump. I think there is mutual interest.” pic.twitter.com/XSFaelZHPwWhen you have a high level player saying he wants to be a part of your team, it's hard to see the downsides.
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