The Chicago Blackhawks traded Patrick Kane away as part of their rebuild to land Connor Bedard first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, and now, several years later, there’s a possibility the organization could bring back the franchise icon.
Kane is one of, if not the most, notable UFAs remaining on the market, and with recent reports suggesting that going home to play for the Buffalo Sabres or returning to Chicago are his top options, Bedard was asked about it.
He’s feeling good fresh off signing a new five-year, $75 million contract, and during Monday’s media availability Bedard emphasized how much he’d love to have Kane join the Blackhawks.
“I hope so! I don’t know what I could say to persuade his decision, but we’d all be so excited to have a player like that. That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him. Hopefully he decides to come back. It would make us a way better team,”
The 37-year-old Kane just played out the one-year, $3 million extension he signed with the Detroit Red Wings last June. He tallied 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games played last season.
Kane coming back to Chicago to team up with Bedard would be rather poetic, and given the lack of high-end talent on the roster, it seems like a no-brainer of a decision should the future Hall of Famer decide he wants to return.
Money isn’t an issue for either side, so it ultimately comes down to what Kane wants. If his desire is to win another Stanley Cup, then he’ll need to look elsewhere, but if he wants more opportunity and familiarity, then there’s no better landing spot than the Blackhawks.
