Patrick Kane and Chicago go together like bread and butter. His legacy in this city shows in his newest NHL record as a U.S.-born player.
On Oct. 15, Kane passed Phil Housley for the most career assists by a U.S.-born player, reaching 895. Unsurprisingly, it was the primary assist on Connor Bedard‘s first goal back from injury in a game against the Winnipeg Jets.
Chicagoans dreamed of his return to the Windy City after his contract with the Red Wings ended. The announcement of his return felt like a happy homecoming for many fans.
A Legacy Built in Chicago
Kane made his NHL debut on Oct. 4, 2007, after the Chicago Blackhawks selected him first overall in the draft. Now, as he returns to the team almost 20 years later, his impact then remains special.
As a rookie, it took Kane no time to get into the groove. He picked up his first assist just two days after his debut and scored his first goal in his seventh game. Kane earned his first award by season’s end, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year.
Then, in just three years, he and his teammates brought the Stanley Cup home. Not only did he become a champion, but he also scored the game-winning goal in overtime to bring it home.
For 49 years prior, the Blackhawks were in a Cup drought. Before Kane’s overtime winner, the last time the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup was in 1961. In 1961, only the Original Six teams existed, with no other teams being added until 1967. Also, “Chelsea Dagger“, Chicago’s iconic goal song during the Jonathan Toews and Kane era, wouldn’t be created for another 45 years.
This just made Kane’s game-winning goal in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final all the more special.
Kane and his teammates went on to win the Stanley Cup two more times: once in 2013 and again in 2015. After the 2013 victory, Kane earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. He became the fourth ever U.S.-born player to win that trophy.
Notably, his iconic nickname, “Showtime,” came about during the 2015 postseason when the Blackhawks played the Wild, because Kane delivered when it mattered most.
Then, the year after the 2015 playoff win, he won three awards: the Art Ross Trophy, the Hart Memorial Trophy, and the Ted Lindsay Award. He is one of the best American hockey players ever to do it.
The Kane Effect
The 2010s era of Chicago hockey became the city’s golden age. It was because of Kane, but also because of captain Jonathan Toews and others like Duncan Keith and Marián Hossa. This team had the fanbase exploding, and it seemed like everyone wanted to enjoy the action.
Kane’s swagger and star power made their mark outside of his playmaking. The growing fanbase of the Blackhawks after their Stanley Cup run stuck around, even being labeled some of the “most loyal” in the NHL.
Their loyalty showed when Kane returned to the program in July. The Athletic conducted a survey to gauge excitement about Showtime’s return, and the overall consensus was that his hiatus to Detroit didn’t cause hard feelings. The same survey also showed an overwhelming number of fans who felt the same loyalty to Toews and wanted him to retire as a Blackhawk.
Ticket and merchandise sales also showed Kane’s electrifying presence. Following his return announcement, the Blackhawks saw a 160 percent growth in season-ticket interest. The organization also saw its largest jersey sale day since the return of the black alternate jerseys.
Kane’s not just impacting Chicago hockey. He has become a role model and influence for younger U.S.-born players.
Players like Auston Matthews and Nick Schmaltz watched Kane and learned from him. Schmaltz even played alongside him. Jack Hughes is another American player who grew up idolizing Kane.
Kane remains the inspiration for the next generation. Now he’s back in Chicago, playing alongside a young core, hoping to get this team to the playoffs.
Showtime Isn’t Over
Over the past year, Kane broke records for most career points and most career assists by a U.S.-born player.
His battery won’t run out anytime soon. Blackhawks fans are in for a treat in the next two years. The dynamic between Kane and Bedard will become captivating. Even in the short time since Bedard’s return, they’ve been on the same line and making quick, intelligent plays.
As the oldest player on the Blackhawks roster, Kane has plenty of experience to teach and lead the younger guys. His legacy in Chicago is far from over, and his influence will continue to be felt long after his final shift.
Leave a comment