It's showtime again in Chicago. Patrick Kane is back where it all began, signing a 2-year contract to likely finish his career as a Blackhawk.
Reactions were mixed, but most Blackhawks fans were thrilled to see him back where he belongs. The $8 million cap hit raised concerns, and many hockey fans were surprised by the high number. Regardless, the team has the cash, and they used it on a player whose value transcends the ice.
The truth is, Kane might be more of a business decision than a hockey decision. With Connor Bedard out to start the season, Kane will get fans at the United Center through the opening chapter of the year. Even after a lackluster offseason headlined by their star's injury, this signing alone has Blackhawks buzz at a recent high. Fans are excited, and the team should keep filling the United Center.
Of course, that doesn't mean Kane won't improve the team's overall quality. Had Kane played for the Blackhawks last year, he would have been third in total points and fourth in goals. Even playing just 67 games, Kane would have been an important offensive contributor. He provides stability in the top-six, an exits-and-entries game that the Blackhawks are desperate for, and he can help lead the power play to success that they struggled to find last season.
Additionally, and most obviously, is his leadership. Who better to lead a young group of Blackhawks than the man himself? Originally, Kyle Davidson wanted to move on from Kane so that the next generation could take over. Now that players like Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Alex Vlasic are starting to establish themselves as leaders, there should be little concern about whether Kane will stunt their growth. If anything, it's the opposite. Three Stanley Cups just entered the locker room, and he's going to teach them how to win a few more.
#blackhawks #fans #united #back
Reactions were mixed, but most Blackhawks fans were thrilled to see him back where he belongs. The $8 million cap hit raised concerns, and many hockey fans were surprised by the high number. Regardless, the team has the cash, and they used it on a player whose value transcends the ice.
The truth is, Kane might be more of a business decision than a hockey decision. With Connor Bedard out to start the season, Kane will get fans at the United Center through the opening chapter of the year. Even after a lackluster offseason headlined by their star's injury, this signing alone has Blackhawks buzz at a recent high. Fans are excited, and the team should keep filling the United Center.
Of course, that doesn't mean Kane won't improve the team's overall quality. Had Kane played for the Blackhawks last year, he would have been third in total points and fourth in goals. Even playing just 67 games, Kane would have been an important offensive contributor. He provides stability in the top-six, an exits-and-entries game that the Blackhawks are desperate for, and he can help lead the power play to success that they struggled to find last season.
Additionally, and most obviously, is his leadership. Who better to lead a young group of Blackhawks than the man himself? Originally, Kyle Davidson wanted to move on from Kane so that the next generation could take over. Now that players like Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Alex Vlasic are starting to establish themselves as leaders, there should be little concern about whether Kane will stunt their growth. If anything, it's the opposite. Three Stanley Cups just entered the locker room, and he's going to teach them how to win a few more.
#blackhawks #fans #united #back
1 day ago
