While there has been some speculation about Patrick Kane returning to the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent, it doesn’t sound like that’s in the cards.
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson, speaking to reporters at the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo, N.Y., pretty much shot down the possibility of Chicago making a contract offer to Kane if he hits the open market on July 1.
“I think we made some really tough decisions on some longstanding players,” Davidson said, per Scott Powers of The Athletic. I don’t foresee us going back on that.”
Kane, 35, signed a one-year, $2.75-million deal with the Detroit Red Wings last November after recovering from off-season hip surgery.
The Buffalo native was picked first overall by the Blackhawks in 2007 and spent his entire career in Chicago before his season in Detroit. Kane won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks.
Neither Kane nor Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman expressed optimism the forward would be back in Detroit next season when speaking to the media at the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.
Kane had 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) in 50 games with Detroit.
Meanwhile, Davidson also told Powers it is “very unlikely” the team will trade down at the NHL Draft later this month. The Blackhawks, rebuilding with Connor Bedard as the marquee player, have the second-overall pick.