Major prediction on Patrick Kane's future released

It seemed nearly impossible to imagine Chicago Blackhawks icon Patrick Kane wearing the colors of any other NHL team, much less their once-historic rival Detroit Red Wings. But just as in 1999 when Blackhawks captain Chris Chelios was traded to Detroit and spent the next decade with the team, Kane is now a member of the Red Wings. 

He agreed to a pro-rated one year pact with the team that he routinely torched while with Chicago, and would make his debut just over a month ago. And while the good news is that Kane appears to be almost as good as new following his offseason hip surgery, the bad news is that prior to the calendar shifting to 2024, the Red Wings began a downward spiral that saw them post the 2nd worst record in the NHL from December 7 to the 31st. 

Kane certainly isn't to blame for the struggles of Detroit, who have so far won both of their games in 2024 to put them right back into the thick of the race for a Wild Card playoff spot. The prevailing thought upon Kane's arrival in Detroit is that he could easily be flipped to a contending team at the NHL Trade Deadline if, like the last several years, the Red Wings are not going to qualify for the postseason. But will that be the case here? 

According to writer extraordinaire Max Bultman of The Athletic, don't be surprised to see Kane extend his stay with Detroit.

"But the bet here is that Kane stays put. He has a no-trade clause, for one, but frankly I would have a hard time seeing Detroit move him without his blessing regardless. He chose Detroit, the Red Wings wanted him, and he’s playing well for them in a big role.

So, instead of a trade, why not an extension? Detroit has money coming off the books this summer, with David Perron and Daniel Sprong pending UFAs up front, and at 35, Kane won’t be commanding an especially long-term deal.

The cap hit will be fascinating, especially if Kane keeps producing at this rate, but on a short deal, the Red Wings can afford to splurge a bit for a player of Kane’s talent. I’ll say he sticks around for two years at a cap hit around $5-6 million."

Red Wings fans have welcomed their former rival with open arms, and there have been countless Kane Red Wings sweaters all around Little Caesars Arena during home games. It stands to reason that most fans would be open to extending the team's relationship with Kane beyond this season.

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