Patrick Kane returns to Blackhawks on two-year deal

Patrick Kane has rejoined the Chicago Blackhawks, signing a two-year, $16 million contract announced by the team on Thursday. The deal includes a full no-movement clause and carries an $8 million annual cap hit.

Kane, 37, spent the first 16 seasons of his NHL career in Chicago before being traded to the New York Rangers in February 2023. He played the past three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, posting 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games last year.

The No. 1 overall pick in 2007 ranks among the Blackhawks' all-time leaders with 446 goals, 779 assists, and 1,225 points. He helped Chicago win Stanley Cup titles in 2010, 2013, and 2015, earning the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2016 and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2013.

"Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick captivated the city of Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history," general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. "He's shown on countless occasions that he knows what it takes to win at the highest levels."

Kane was weighing offers from Chicago and Buffalo before choosing to return to the Blackhawks. The signing reunites him with Connor Bedard, the 21-year-old center who signed a five-year, $75 million extension last weekend. Bedard is recovering from left shoulder surgery performed on July 8.

The Blackhawks went 29-39-14 last season and have not made the playoffs since the NHL's expanded 2020 postseason format. Chicago finished 31st in the league standings in each of the past three years.