Detroit Red Wings
Can Patrick Kane Score 20 Goals This Season Amid Trade Talk?
Patrick Kane joined the 1,300-Point Club. But, there is trade chatter while he tries to hit the 20-goal mark again for the Detroit Red Wings.
Patrick Kane joined the exclusive 1,300-Point Club this weekend, becoming the fourth active NHL player to reach this incredible milestone. With 477 goals and 823 assists, Kane’s career accomplishments now place him alongside Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, and Evgeni Malkin. This milestone also highlights Kane’s impact as an American-born player, making him only the second U.S.-born skater to surpass 1,300 points after Hall of Famer Mike Modano.
But as Kane continues to cement his legacy and trade rumors swirl in Detroit, the question remains: Can he score 20 goals this season?

Can he hit 20 goals this season?
Patrick Kane’s Season So Far with Detroit
Kane entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations after signing a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings. However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. After offseason hip surgery, Kane has scored six goals and added 10 assists in 31 games. His pace puts him at just under 16 goals over an 82-game season.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings are going through major change. They replaced coach Derek Lalonde with Todd McLellan, and GM Steve Yzerman is being questioned about his strategy for rebuilding the team. Among the mistakes some think he made was signing Kane at his age. Adam Proteau of The Hockey News writes:
The 36-year-old Kane will be a UFA at the end of the current season, and while Kane has a full no-trade clause, he’s not going to get a bona fide chance at winning another Stanley Cup with this Red Wings team. And with his no-trade clause, Kane can essentially dictate where he can be traded to.
The question is: Will he fall short of the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career? And, if he’s well short, is Kane tradeable?
Kane has shown glimpses of his old high-scoring self, adding three power-play goals and providing leadership on a young Red Wings roster. Still, his goal production is lagging, partly due to a mix of early-season rust and missing five games due to injury.
Key Factors: Will Kane Hit 20 Goals?
He Will Score 20 | He Probably Won’t Score 20 |
---|---|
Track Record: Kane has never failed to hit 20 goals in a full season. | Pace: With just 6 goals in 31 games, he’s behind his usual pace. |
Improved Form: Kane’s play has improved since his injury return, and he has had clutch performances in recent games. | Age & Injury: At 35 and coming off hip surgery, his scoring touch may not be what it once was. |
Power Play Role: Kane remains a key power-play contributor, where he can rack up goals. | Limited Minutes: Playing fewer minutes on the second line could restrict his scoring opportunities. |
What Else Does Kane Bring to the Red Wings?
Even if Kane falls short of 20 goals, his impact on the Red Wings extends beyond scoring. He’s a team leader who can create offense for others. Additionally, his veteran presence helps as Detroit fights for a playoff spot. While this might not be a vintage Kane season, his contributions continue to make a difference.
As the season progresses, Kane’s form and health will play pivotal roles in determining whether he can reach the 20-goal plateau. Regardless of the outcome, Patrick Kane remains one of the most gifted players in NHL history—and fans should appreciate the fact that they have had front-row seats for a small part of his storied NHL career.
Related: Friedman’s Teams to Watch: Rangers, Sabres, and Red Wings
