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Patrick Kane, Red Wings Agree to Rumored $4M Contract amid Steven Stamkos Buzz

Julia StumbaughJune 30, 2024

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 09: Patrick Kane #88 of the Detroit Red Wings handles the puck against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Little Caesars Arena on April 09, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Nic Antaya/Getty Images

Patrick Kane, who made his successful return from major offseason surgery with the 2023-24 Detroit Red Wings, is returning to the Motor City.

The winger agreed to a one-year contract to return to the Red Wings in free agency, the team announced Saturday. The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported the deal is worth $4 million and Kane can earn an additional $2.5 million in bonuses.

Detroit Red Wings @DetroitRedWings

THE SHOW GOES ON IN HOCKEYTOWN!<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RedWings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RedWings</a> have signed Patrick Kane to a one-year contract extension. <a href="https://t.co/U4mNlHc7Bm">pic.twitter.com/U4mNlHc7Bm</a>

Kane expressed his excitement to return to Detroit after the deal was announced:

Patrick Kane @88PKane

Pumped to be back for another one! Big year ahead! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGRW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LGRW</a> <a href="https://t.co/rPVVgJUi1e">pic.twitter.com/rPVVgJUi1e</a>

After missing the first several months of last season while recovering from June hip resurfacing surgery, Kane signed a one-year deal with the Red Wings in November before making his Dec. 7 return to the NHL.

He went on to record 20 goals and 27 assists for 47 points in 50 games to help Detroit come within one point of making the playoffs.

Despite his late start to the season, Kane also led the Red Wings with seven game-winning goals.

That was enough to prove to Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings that Kane remains a top-six winger despite his surgically repaired hip.

Kane first established himself as a star during his 2007-08 Calder Trophy campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks.

He played 15 full seasons with the Blackhawks and helped lead the team to three Stanley Cup wins in six years.

The tanking Blackhawks traded Kane to the New York Rangers for their 2023 playoff push. Kane underwent surgery the following summer.

He may no longer be an Art Ross contender, but Kane proved in his return with the Red Wings that his stickhandling and passing abilities make him a scoring threat against the best teams in the league.

Kane spent most of his time in Detroit playing alongside Dylan Larkin and former Blackhawks teammate Alex DeBrincat. His chemistry with DeBrincat will help make the Red Wings a contender as the team looks to make its first playoff appearance in nine seasons next spring.