New Twist in Possible Patrick Kane Return to Chicago After Blackhawks GM Comments

If it wasn’t clear how the Chicago Blackhawks felt about Patrick Kane and a possible reunion with the team, we know now. GM Kyle Davidson spoke with the media this week and had a message for Kane, keeping the door wide open for a return.

Kane is working through his free agency process, and speculation is that he’s got it down to two teams: the Chicago Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres. In Buffalo, he’d be going to his hometown to play. In Chicago, it would be a reunion with the team that drafted him and that he won three Stanley Cups with.

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Wanting to ensure that Kane knew the Blackhawks were ready and willing to make him an offer, Davidson said:

“Patrick is someone that our organization, myself, have had a relationship for a long time. I don’t necessarily think it’s right for me to comment on the process he’s going to be running this offseason. A guy like Kaner has done pretty much everything there is to do in our game. He’s inspired every young player playing hockey today with what he’s accomplished, and he’s earned the right to take his time and make a decision. We see him very often. He trains at our practice facility in the offseason. We’ll await his decision, but he knows our door is always open. He’s a Blackhawk at heart for life, even if he’s not wearing our jersey. We’ve got a great deal of reverence, respect, and love for Patrick Kane, so we’ll leave him to that decision and we’ll see where he ends up when that day comes.”

Davidson isn’t the only member of the Blackhawks that is hoping Kane comes back to the team. Connor Bedard spoke about Kane while he met with the media after signing a new five-year deal. When asked if he would like to see Kane back, he responded, “I hope so! I don’t know what I can say to persuade his decision. Obviously, we’d all be so excited to have a player like that, but also a guy like that. That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him.”

Related: The Pressure is Building on Patrick Kane’s Free Agency Decision

It should be a matter of time before Kane makes his decision. If it’s really down to just two teams, there shouldn’t be reason for further delay, unless Kane is just taking a break and easing into any deal he signs. It doesn’t sound like either team is eager to sign another player to fill a hole, so Kane has time to make his choice. In Chicago, they have a ton of cap space and Davidson has already said they’re fine waiting.

The Blackhawks are pushing this summer. They made a move to acquire Bowen Byram, signed Bedard, and now want Kane. Clearly, they have sights on making the playoffs.

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