CHICAGO, July 20 (Reuters) — Connor Bedard wants Patrick Kane back in Chicago. The 20-year-old Blackhawks star called a reunion with the 37-year-old free agent forward “incredible.”
“It would make us a way better team,” Bedard told The Athletic on Monday. The statement is a direct plea from the franchise’s cornerstone to its former icon. Kane is currently an unrestricted free agent after finishing a one-year, $4 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings.
Bedard’s calculus is simple. Kane is still elite. Last season, Kane posted 24 goals and 47 assists in 74 games for Detroit. His power-play quarterbacking and clutch scoring are exactly what Chicago’s 26th-ranked offense needs.
The Blackhawks finished 30-39-13 in 2025-26. They ranked 28th in goals per game (2.67). Bedard led the team with 33 goals and 61 points. The drop-off after him was steep.
“He’s one of the best players in the world,” Bedard said, per NHL.com. “You add that to any team, you become way better.”
The mentorship angle is real. Kane won three Stanley Cups with Chicago (2010, 2013, 2015). He knows the system. He can teach young wingers Lukas Reichel and Kevin Korchinski how to navigate the league. Bedard, despite his generational talent, has no playoff experience.
Can Chicago afford it? The Blackhawks have roughly $18.7 million in cap space for 2026-27, per CapFriendly. Kane’s market value is likely a one-to-two-year deal at $5-7 million annually. A short-term, high-money contract fits Chicago’s rebuild timeline without locking up long-term flexibility.
| Factor | Kane’s Current Value | Chicago’s Need |
|---|---|---|
| Points (2025-26) | 71 | Top-line scoring (ranked 28th) |
| Power-play points | 22 | Power play ranked 24th (18.1%) |
| Playoff experience | 3 Cups, 143 playoff games | Zero playoff games for Bedard |
| Cap hit projection | $5-7M (1-2 years) | $18.7M available |
The fanbase is split. Nostalgia runs deep. Kane is the last remaining link to the dynasty. But some fans want a clean break, fearing a veteran return could slow development of younger players. Bedard’s public endorsement shifts that narrative. He wants the veteran presence now, not later.
This is not unprecedented. The Penguins brought back Jaromir Jagr in 2011-12, a short-lived reunion that failed. The Avalanche signed Peter Forsberg for a brief return in 2011, which also didn’t work. But those were older stars past their prime. Kane, while aging, remains productive.
If Chicago signs Kane, it signals a strategic pivot. Not a “win now” desperation, but a “win sooner” acceleration. Bedard’s plea is a vote of confidence in Kane’s ability to elevate the entire roster. It is also a direct challenge to general manager Kyle Davidson.
Davidson has been cautious. He traded Kane to the New York Rangers in February 2023 for a package that included a first-round pick. Re-signing him now would require swallowing that trade’s logic. But Bedard’s public pressure makes it harder to ignore.
The Blackhawks’ symphony is missing a key note. They have the young conductor in Bedard. Kane is the veteran soloist who can complete the movement. The question is whether the front office will hand him the sheet music.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why does Connor Bedard want Patrick Kane back in Chicago?
- A: Bedard believes Kane is still an elite player who would instantly improve the Blackhawks’ offense, which ranked 28th in goals per game, and provide mentorship to young players like Lukas Reichel and Kevin Korchinski.
- Q: What is Patrick Kane’s current status and market value?
- A: Kane is an unrestricted free agent after a one-year, $4 million deal with Detroit. His market value is likely a one-to-two-year contract at $5-7 million annually.
- Q: Can the Blackhawks afford to sign Kane?
- A: Yes, Chicago has roughly $18.7 million in cap space for 2026-27, making a short-term, high-money deal feasible without hindering the rebuild timeline.
Extended Reading
The Athletic’s report cited Bedard’s full quote: “It would make us a way better team. He’s a special player, and he knows how to win.” NHL.com confirmed Bedard’s “incredible” remark. Both sources indicate Bedard’s hope is genuine, not a scripted compliment.