The Daily: Kane Has Shaken Off The Rust; NHL Trade Talk

This is the Patrick Kane the Detroit Red Wings hoped they were getting when they signed him Nov. 29. As it turned out, he just needed time to regain his NHL timing.

Kane has put together three consecutive multiple-point games to shut up critics who believe the Red Wings made a mistake by signing him.  The Buffalo native is the first Red Wings player over the age of 35 to register three consecutive multiple point games since Henrik Zetterberg did it in 2015.

He is already the most skilled offensive zone passer on the team and the absolute best at stick-handling into the offensive zone. He now has nine points in nine games, which is a pace of 36 goals and 81 points over a full season. His $2.75 million salary seems like a bargain this morning.

Kane has been Mr. Entertainment since arriving in Detroit. The question, however, that hasn’t been answered is whether Kane’s skill is enough to help them make the playoffs. The Red Wings’ defensive coverage and goaltending has clearly been a weakness of late. Kane can’t help that problem.

We hear from Patrick Kane after his "PAT-trick" — two regulation goals and a shootout winner in the 7-6 victory over the Flyers.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/Ye4DNkQSKN

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) December 23, 2023

Red Wings in Case You Missed It

• The Red Wings won ugly against the Philadelphia Flyers. But they will take it. Coach Derek Lalonde said his players desperately needed a win.
• Paywall story: The Flyers and Red Wings have different approaches to rebuilding. Which process will work best? Time will tell.
• Bob Duff writes that in retrospect David Perron would have served less time if he punched Zub.
• Detroit prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka is an alternative captain for Sweden’s team for the World Junior Championships. This kid has it all, including leadership skills.

Red Wings Next Game

The Detroit squad is in New Jersey to play the Devils tonight before heading into a three-day Christmas break from their hectic schedule. They are playing a New Jersey team that has lost three in a row.  Like the Red Wings, the Devils’ have had inconsistent goaltending this season. The Devils have been looking at their goaltending options in the trade market. Red Wings goalies Ville Husso and Alex Lyon are injured, although Lyon is expected to return to the lineup after the Christmas break. One of Detroit’s missions against the Devils is to stay out of the penalty box. The Devils power play efficiency (31.3%) ranks No. 1.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jimmy Murphy writes that the Boston Bruins‘ 5-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets was embarrassing.

Chicago: CHN’s Nate Brown wants to know what happened to the Chicago Blackhawks team that upended the Colorado Avalanche? That was not the team that lost to the Montreal Canadiens.

Colorado: How close did the Colorado Avalanche get to completing a deal for Jack Eichel? Evan Rawal has the story.

Montreal: Don’t be surprised if the New Jersey Devils call the Montreal Canadiens about Jake Allen after the Christmas break. Montreal Hockey Now has the details.

Pittsburgh: Do the Pittsburgh Penguins need a player to have a breakout season? Shelly Anderson weighs in on this question.

Vegas: The Golden Knights have a Stanley Cup rematch with the Florida Panthers tonight. Chris Gawlik has a preview. Vegas Golden Knights.