Patrick Kane buries his own subpar offensive output

Chicago Blackhawks assistant captain and longtime forward Patrick Kane is in the midst of the final year of his eight year contract extension he inked shortly after the 2015 Stanley Cup championship; his longtime partner in crime Jonathan Toews is in the same situation. 

Both have been the subject of increasing trade rumors as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches in early March of 2023, as the Blackhawks are currently in the basement of the League standings. But until a potential deal emerges for one or both of the two Chicago icons, they'll certainly want to be showcasing their skills to attract more interest. 

Unfortunately for Kane, he's not been producing at his usual rate. As it currently stands after the Christmas break, he's only lit the lamp five times along with adding 20 assists, a far cry from his typical offensive output. And he knows it.

"It's just the production is low," Kane said in a recent postgame interview. "That's probably one of the main reasons the team has been in the situation we're in. If I could find a way to start producing (at) a normal rate, that's going to help the team take off."

"Hopefully, it'll start tonight, get off to a good feeling before (the) break and then take that in feeling good, and then come out with a little bit of energy, as well. I feel like it's coming, just have to stay with it and stop hoping it's going to come and make it happen."

The Blackhawks are next in action against the high flying Carolina Hurricanes later tonight at PNC Arena in Raleigh. Game time is set for 7:00 PM EST.