Why Patrick Kane Really Chose to Sign Back With the Blackhawks

Patrick Kane’s return to the Chicago Blackhawks wasn’t a snap decision, and according to his longtime agent Pat Brisson, that was by design. The veteran forward intentionally took his time before choosing a landing spot, something his agent had encouraged because, well, he’s Patrick Kane.

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Brisson got a vibe from Chicago that they might have interest when free agency opened and said he sensed a shift in Chicago’s approach right away on July 1. General manager Kyle Davidson’s tone this year signaled the Blackhawks were moving out of a pure rebuild phase and looking to add — a departure from prior offseasons. When Davidson reached out asking about Kane specifically, Brisson said the interest was immediate and serious.

Kane Had Choices, and He Picked the Blackhawks

Chicago wasn’t the only team in the mix. Brisson said roughly ten teams were legitimately pursuing Kane at the start of free agency, but rather than rush a decision the way most free agents do within a day or two, Kane chose to take his time.

The pause stretched over several days, with Kane shifting his own timeline more than once before ultimately deciding to sign with the Blackhawks on Wednesday. Brisson said Chicago chairman Danny Wirtz had been regularly checking in with Davidson throughout the process on whether a reunion was realistically on the table.

Brisson didn’t rule out this being Kane’s final NHL contract — and said he wouldn’t be surprised if it turns into two. What he does believe is that Kane wants to retire in Chicago. “I would say,” Brisson said. “When you enter into a deal at 38, 39 years old, I don’t know how many more. Hopefully, that’ll be his final destination.”

This deal isn’t just about Kane joining a team he believes has potential. This is about finishing things off where they all began.

How Much Better Are the Blackhawks Now?

Kane’s strong finish last season in Detroit proves he’s still got a lot to offer. The two-year deal shows that the Blackhawks believe he has production left in the tank. But how much better are the Blackhawks today than they were yesterday? Davidson was so confident in Kane that he didn’t make the terms of the contract bonus-heavy. This isn’t about Kane only getting paid if he hits certain markers. The Blackhawks believe he will. The deal carries an $8 million AAV and a full no-movement clause, notable given Kane turns 38 in November.

Add the addition of Bowen Byram and the extension of Connor Bedard, and you have a pretty significant summer for the Blackhawks. Are they good enough to push for a playoff spot? That’s the hope.

Kane’s chemistry with Bedard (once he returns from shoulder rehab) could be the key to Chicago’s success this season. Coach Jeff Blashill is expected to try them together early, potentially alongside KHL import Vasily Kantserov, whose two-way ability could offer the line some defensive stability while the trio finds its footing. That pairing would also reshape Chicago’s power play, with a potential top unit built around Bowen Byram at the point, Bedard and Kane on the flanks, and Kantserov working the middle.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs & Blackhawks Kane Signs