After the Blackhawks and superstar Patrick Kane parted ways at last season’s trade deadline, Chicago fans didn’t get the chance to see their hero in a Rangers sweater. After being dealt to the Eastern Conference, Kane played 19 games in New York and didn’t get the chance to face his former team.
After Kane finally announced his free-agency decision Tuesday, we learned that won’t be the case this year. In perfectly ironic fashion, Kane ended the sweepstakes by signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings. The contract is reportedly worth $2.75 million.
Detroit somewhat surprisingly finds itself positioned for a possible playoff run, which would be its first since 2016. The team is off to a quick 11-6-3 start that includes a current three-game winning streak. The Red Wings are stocked with big-name players like Dylan Larkin, J.T. Compher, David Perron, and perhaps most importantly for Kane, Alex DeBrincat.
Oh, the irony.
When Kane’s signing was announced, many Blackhawks fans’ minds immediately went to Chris Chelios, who donned the Detroit sweater at age 37. As it’s unlikely that Kane will be in the Red Wings’ lineup in time for the Chicago-Detroit game on Thursday night, it appears Kane’s first time squaring off with his former team will be on Sunday, February 25. Fittingly, that’s the night when Chelios’ jersey will be retired at the United Center.
Although the Blackhawks-Red Wings rivalry was dampened when the latter moved to the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division as a result of realignment in 2013, there’s still plenty of bad blood between the two Original Six franchises. That alone should make it pretty weird to see Kane in a Detroit sweater. While the team is hated by Blackhawks fans everywhere, many will wish Kaner the best in his new arena.
As the nine-time All-Star joins his new squad, he has a legitimate chance to earn himself another ring. It’s unclear how effective the 35-year-old will be after a significant surgery and aging concerns, but there’s little doubt that Kane is still an elite scorer and valuable skater.
