Patrick Kane to Make Red Wings Debut on Thursday — A Look Back at the Journey
Image via @DetroitRedWings on X
DETROIT — Earlier today, Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde confirmed that the team’s newest signing Patrick Kane will make his season debut tomorrow night against the San Jose Sharks.
May 1, 2023 marked two very important career moments for Patrick Kane: his New York Rangers’ Stanley Cup hopes were dashed by the New Jersey Devils in game seven, and his first free agency experience officially began. After being dealt to the Rangers in late February, Kane made it clear that his priority from there on out is winning.
New York’s round one exit allowed for the winger to explore all options, especially offseason hip surgery. Since the 2020 NHL playoff bubble, Kane dealt with a recurring hip injury that he played through for more than three seasons. With no ties to any NHL club and a more extended offseason than expected, the future Hall of Famer pulled the trigger on a risky procedure.
“No one’s really come back from this type of surgery, but no one has done what he’s done to recover this way”
In a detailed article by ESPN’s national NHL reporter Emily Kaplan, it was verified that the forward was not taking a single aspect of the surgery and its potential implications lightly. The procedure ended up being the best possible option for Kane. No later than two weeks after it was done, the free agent was already using a skating treadmill. The surgery took place in June and Kane then tirelessly worked at rehab in order to be ready for the 2023-24 NHL campaign, despite not yet signing with a team.
The 35-year-old ended months of rumors and speculation on Tuesday Nov. 28 when he put pen to paper with the Detroit Red Wings. After an unexpectedly successful start to the NHL season, a one-year, $2.75 million contract with one of the best players in league history has the potential to keep Detroit in a top three spot in the Atlantic Division.
Image via NHL.com
Kane’s Red Wings debut is scheduled for Thursday Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. CST on ESPN+.
