"It's Bedard's team now" - NHL analyst believes Blackhawks dodged a bullet by not reuniting with Patrick Kane

Patrick Kane signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings in November 2023. He would have become a free agent on July 1 after its expiry, but Kane and Red Wings agreed to another one-year contract to avoid free agency.

A section of the NHL community considered the idea of Kane signing with his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks, in free agency. But Barstool Sports personality Dan Katz, known as Barstool Big Cat, has a different perspective.

In a recent "ESPN 1000" broadcast on ESPN Chicago, Big Cat shared his insights on the Chicago Blackhawks' decision not to bring back Kane. Katz believes this move is beneficial for the team.

"I think it's probably a good thing that Patrick Kane is not back with the Blackhawks because it's Bedard's team now," Big Cat said. "I like what they're doing by starting a lot of guys on one-year deals—some seasoned veterans who have won Stanley Cups and have been in tough battles. They can help mentor the young core without committing to long-term contracts."

The Chicago Blackhawks signed Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft. He is considered a generational talent, with comparisons to Connor McDavid and Patrick Kane setting high expectations for Bedard's impact on the Blackhawks. The organization appears to be building a team around this new cornerstone, aiming to develop a strong young core complemented by seasoned veterans.

"Bringing in these experienced players, who may not be household names, will help the team compete and possibly make a playoff run without sacrificing their future. It allows them to reset again next year," Big Cat added.

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Patrick Kane's return from hip surgery and his new contract

Patrick Kane is 35 years old now, and he has won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks, in 2010, 2013 and 2015. After undergoing hip resurfacing surgery, a rare and risky procedure that few athletes return from, Kane not only returned but also scored 20 goals and added 27 assists in his first season with Detroit.

Kane is returning to the Detroit Red Wings on a one-year contract, with a base salary of $4 million and potential bonuses of up to $2.5 million. Entering his 17th season, the athlete ranks second in NHL points among U.S.-born players.

By signing Kane, Detroit aims to end its eight-season playoff drought. The Red Wings also extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Jonatan Berggren and Joe Veleno.