Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23. This puts an end to his three-season run with the Detroit Red Wings. However, his return to Chicago is still a mystery for NHL fans, and he chose to break the silence.

Kane spoke about the surprising decision this week on the Pardon My Take podcast. He admitted that he expected something different.

"If you would've asked me last year at the end of the season, I thought I would be going back to Detroit," he said on the July 27 episode of the podcast.

Instead, Detroit's front office changed course, and so did Kane's plans.

Many things happened with Chicago in the past few weeks. Dylan Larkin requested a trade from Detroit, and Steve Yzerman was removed as general manager. Then Blackhawks owner Danny Wirtz called Kane the moment he was open for free agency.

"And you know, things happen, and then it’s like, OK, let’s just take our time, see what’s out there July 1st, and (Blackhawks) owner Danny Wirtz called me at, like, 11:03, as soon as free agency opened," he added during the podcast.

"But all of a sudden you start thinking about, OK, well, there's interest, maybe it'd be a cool place to come back and play."

Kane said Wirtz told him that his return would create an atmosphere unlike anything the city had ever witnessed. Those words stuck with Kane, considering his 16-season history with the team.

He admitted that he did think "a little bit" about a reunion in the last few seasons, even though he wasn’t sure.

In the end, both sides agreed at the right time.

"Things just kind of worked out where they're at the stage where they're trying to take a step as a team, and I was a free agent," Kane said. "I think it's actually a good fit for me personally as a hockey player, so I'm excited about it. It's going to be great."

Kane is clear that this move is more than just nostalgia for him. He is set on finding a team that will match where he's in his career right now.

Patrick Kane's return to Chicago and what it means

Kane's new deal with Chicago carries an $8 million annual value, which holds a full no-move clause. He now goes back to the team that drafted him as the first overall pick in 2007. This is the team where he won three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

Kane sits in second place in the team’s assists and points, and third in goals and games played. Last season with Detroit, he scored 57 points in 67 games.

He now joins the Blackhawks’ young roster, which is built around Connor Bedard, who recently signed a five-year extension. Chicago also added defenseman Bowen Byram this offseason as the team looks forward to making a comeback in the playoffs.

Now that Detroit lost Kane, they will need to replace his role and production as they look forward to ending their playoff drought too.

What do you think Kane's return means for the Blackhawks this season? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar