The Chicago Blackhawks signed the legendary Patrick Kane to a two-year contract on Thursday. 

The move brought back one of the most popular and key players in team history. It also gave the Blackhawks a chance to call out a fan on social media, X. Kane spent his first 16 seasons in Chicago before, then a  2023 trade sent him away. Now, at 37, he returns to a team that shaped his career.

Before the deal became official, a fan made a bold challenge on X that he later deleted. Once Kane's deal was confirmed, the Blackhawks' official account did not let the challenge pass.

"You were saying???" the Blackhawks replied to the fan's post, which got deleted later.

"If Patrick Kane signs with the Blackhawks this week, I'll get 2027 Stanley Cup champion tattooed on my thigh," wrote the fan.

The fan then deleted the original post. But the screenshots of the exchange spread quickly among the fans. With this contract, Kane will earn $8 million per season over two years, so his total value reaches $16 million. 

Kane had won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks between 2010 and 2015. He also captured the Hart and Art Ross trophies and finished 2015-16 as the NHL's top scorer.

After stints in New York and Detroit, Kane rebuilt his game before returning home. After a 2023 hip resurfacing surgery, Kane rebuilt his game by joining the Red Wings. Just last season, he scored 57 points in 67 games for Detroit.

Bedard underwent shoulder surgery earlier this month, so he will be missing the start of the 2026-27 season. While the fan is yet to reply to the Blackhawks post, Kane is expected to help fill the gap Bedard is leaving early on.

Kane’s decision to return home

Kane's homecoming almost didn’t happen this way. Reports indicate Kane weighed Chicago against Buffalo, his hometown team, during free agency.

Signing with Buffalo would have put Kane closer to a more experienced Cup contender. Instead, he chose to go back to the team where it all had started.

Kane had already begun skating at the Blackhawks' facility this summer, still in a Red Wings jersey.

Jonathan Toews' retirement may have pushed this decision, since it removed the complication of bringing back two key players at once. Bedard is set for a potential Kane reunion.

"I can't imagine his first game back at the (United Center with the Blackhawks), the reaction he'd get and how much juice that would bring to not only our team but our fans, as well," said Bedard, as posted by CHGO Blackhawks on X. "That would be incredible to play with him and learn from him."

Chicago has not made it to the playoffs ever since Kane left. They haven't qualified since the 2019-20 season, which was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With his return now official, the fans are hoping this is a full-circle moment for Kane.

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

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar