Blackhawks GM Doesn't Expect to Sign Patrick Kane to Contract in 2024 NHL Free Agency

A reunion doesn't appear to be in store for Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson spoke with reporters at the NHL Combine in Buffalo and shot down the possibility of the team bringing back Patrick Kane when he hits unrestricted free agency on July 1.

"I think we made some really tough decisions on some longstanding players," Davidson said, per Scott Powers of The Athletic. I don't foresee us going back on that."

Whether or not he returns to Chicago, Kane will forever be a legend in the city. The 2007 No. 1 pick recorded 446 goals and 779 assists in 1,161 games in a Blackhawk uniform. He won the Hart and Art Ross trophies in 2015-16, made the All-Star game four times and helped lead Chicago to three Stanley Cups.

The team dealt him away to the New York Rangers at the 2023 trade deadline, and he spent the 2023-24 season with the Detroit Red Wings. The 35-year-old still showcased strong offense output with Detroit, recording 47 points in 50 games, and will be one of the top options available on the market this offseason.

A reunion in Chicago looked intriguing. He could serve in a mentor role for 2023 No. 1 pick Connor Bedard and whoever the team selects with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. It would also give him a chance to oversee the franchise through a rebuild and possibly retire with the team that drafted him.

Davidson's statements instead appear to signal a focus on rebuilding and not bringing in a high-impact veteran, so Kane's presence would bring less value.

Other potential suitors for Kane's services could be his hometown Buffalo Sabres, as well as contenders like the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars and the Rangers.