Patrick Kane is returning to the Detroit Red Wings on a one-year contract, the team announced Sunday.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the contract is bonus-laden and will have a base of $4 million. He can make an additional $2.5 million depending on the number of appearances and points he accrues and if the Red Wings make the playoffs.
Kane, a 35-year-old winger from Buffalo who won the Stanley Cup three times with Chicago from 2010-15, has continued playing after hip resurfacing surgery that only two others have returned from. He was nearly a point-a-game player in his first season with the Red Wings, scoring 20 goals and adding 27 assists.
Only Mike Modano has more NHL points than Kane’s 1,284 among U.S.-born players. He is entering his 17th professional season.
Kane figured to have multiple suitors if he reached free agency Monday. Instead, he will try to help Detroit end its franchise-record playoff drought at eight seasons.
The Red Wings are expected to continue to be active in the free agent and trade markets, potentially adding a goaltender after missing out on the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference because of a tiebreaker with Washington.
Earlier Sunday, the team extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Jonatan Berggren and Joe Veleno to retain their rights.
— With files from Sportsnet
The Detroit Red Wings made a big splash in the NHL free agency market by signing star forward Patrick Kane to a one-year contract. Kane, who has spent his entire career with the Chicago Blackhawks, will now be donning the red and white of the Red Wings for the upcoming season.
Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and former league MVP, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Red Wings lineup. Known for his exceptional playmaking ability and scoring touch, Kane is sure to make an immediate impact on the team.
The signing of Kane is a significant move for the Red Wings, who are looking to improve upon their performance from last season. With Kane in the lineup, the team gains a proven winner and leader who can help guide the younger players on the roster.
In addition to his on-ice contributions, Kane’s presence will also bring excitement and energy to the Red Wings fan base. His dynamic style of play and highlight-reel goals are sure to make him a fan favorite in Detroit.
While the contract is only for one year, it provides the Red Wings with a valuable opportunity to evaluate Kane’s fit with the team and potentially work towards a longer-term extension in the future.
Overall, the signing of Patrick Kane is a major coup for the Detroit Red Wings and signals their commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming season. Fans can look forward to seeing Kane in action and cheering on their team as they strive for success in the NHL.