The Daily: Kane ‘Hawks Reunion Seems Unlikely; Quinn Fired

You hear talk about how it makes some sense for the Chicago Blackhawks to consider bringing back Patrick Kane to Chicago to play with Connor Bedard. But you don’t hear it coming from within the Chicago management group.

Nate Brown of Chicago Hockey Now reminds everyone that the Blackhawks general manager closed the door on a Kane return less than a year ago. But Brown explored the idea of a Kane return in a recent article.

“I think we made our decision that we were going to move on from Jonathan and Patrick,” Davidson told radio hosts Mully and Haugh back in May, 2023. “It was not an easy decision but one we thought gave these young players coming in the best opportunity into those leadership roles that Jonathan and Patrick filled so amazingly for so long.”

There’s been no suggestion coming out of Chicago that this sentiment has changed. The hope in Chicago is for Bedard and the Blackhawks’ collection of prospects to establish their own identity.

The Red Wings still hope to havea shot at re-signing Kane who certainly enjoyed playing in Detroit.  But he will have many options, and insiders tell Detroit Hockey Now he will command $5 million plus on the open market.

Here is what Brown wrote about Kane possibly returning to Chicago: “For all that Davidson said about building a locker room with new voices leading the way, bringing Patrick Kane back would go against that thinking. But time can change perceptions. At the very least, it’s a chance to solve some issues where term and dollars wouldn’t be a concern. It sure seems like a win for both sides.”

Thank you Red Wings, my teammates, coaches and all the fans of Hockey Town for welcoming me and my family with open arms this season. This past year gave us memories we’ll never forget. The work doesn’t stop. #LGRW

— Patrick Kane (@88PKane) April 24, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• GM Steve Yzerman doesn’t have the cap space to bring back all of his free agents
• Yzerman clearly wants more from coach Derek Lalonde and his staff next season.
• Dylan Larkin and Alex Lyon will be playing for the USA at the World Championships. The Americans have a quality team.
• Red Wings 2022 NHL draft pick Maxmilian Kilpinen has signed with a team in the Swedish Hockey League.

Red Wings Offseason

The Grand Rapids Griffins will open the Central Division Semifinals on the road Saturday with Game 1 against the Rockford IceHogs.Games 2 and 3 will be at Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, May 1 and Friday, May 3. For the complete series schedule and ticket  information, click here.

Hockey Now Network

Boston Hockey Now: Toronto Maple Leafs coach says Brad Marchand receives special treatment from referees. Boston Bruins.

Florida: With Sam Bennett sidelined, the Florida Panthers ask Anton Lundell to step up.

Philadelphia: A report in the Athletic says the Minnesota Wild were in hot pursuit of a trade for Cutter Gauthier before the Philadelphia Flyers moved him to the Anaheim Ducks.

Pittsburgh: GM Kyle Dubas shows hits and misses in his short trading history with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: General manager Mike Grier has not explained why he fired coach David Quinn. San Jose Sharks.

Vegas: The Vegas Golden Knights‘ triumph over the Dallas Stars was like a how-to guide on how to win a playoff game with a strong defensive effort.