Patrick Kane returned to Chicago this week and showed everyone exactly what the Blackhawks still mean to him. He met with reporters on Friday at the Blackhawks Ice Center. 

This is just one day after signing a two-year, $16 million contract to rejoin the team. Kane's longtime girlfriend, Amanda Grahovec, and their 5-year-old son, Patrick Kane III, sat in the front row. Before the atmosphere in the media room could turn awkward or unfamiliar, Kane eased it off with his clear mindset.

“It’s great to be a Blackhawk again,” he said.

Chicago drafted Kane as the No. 1 overall back in 2007. He spent his first 15-plus seasons with the Blackhawks and helped the team win three Stanley Cups. He returns to the team after three years of being away. 

And that includes a trade to the New York Rangers in 2023 and three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

“I appreciate everything (Davidson) had to deal with the last few weeks, just with taking my time and going through the process and the decision. Obviously the story’s great, coming back to Chicago and being a Blackhawk again, where I spend my summers and Chicago being my home,” he said, as mentioned in the Chicago Tribune.

Kane also made it clear that his return is a chance to help the team on. He clarified that he isn't back for a last dance or something like that, but to win.

 “It’s not like I’m just coming back home to ride off into the sunset or whatever it is. I want to be a big player here and help the team win.”

The Blackhawks have missed the playoffs for six seasons straight. Even then, Kane felt Chicago felt right once the team showed their interest during free agency.

Kane's son was only 2 years old the first time his father left Chicago. Now he’s old enough to watch his dad take the ice as a veteran Blackhawk again. Kane called that part of the return "very special."

Kane's place in Blackhawks history

Kane is ranked among the greatest players in the Blackhawks' history. He holds 446 goals, 779 assists, and 1,225 points in Chicago. He also won the Calder Trophy as a rookie in 2008 and later got the Hart and Art Ross trophies during his career.

In the 19 NHL seasons he spent with Chicago, the Rangers and Detroit, Kane has scored 508 goals and 1,400 points in 1,369 career games. Last season with Detroit, he made 57 points in 67 games, despite being 37 years old.

According to the NHL, Kane is expected to skate alongside center Connor Bedard, who publicly pushed for Kane’s signing. 

This move was during a busy Blackhawks offseason, which even offered Bedard an extension, a trade for defenseman Bowen Byram and a long-term deal for forward Frank Nazar. 

NHL fans will be reunited with the winger during the team's home opener set on Oct. 6.

What do you think about Kane's return to Chicago? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason