Chicago Blackhawks sign Patrick Kane to two-year contract

By Ethan Gagnon — 23 July 2026 — 3 min read

Kane returns to Chicago

Patrick Kane has rejoined the Chicago Blackhawks, signing a two-year contract valued at $16 million. The deal, which includes a full no-movement clause, was announced by the Blackhawks on Thursday. Kane, who is 37 years old, spent his initial 15-plus seasons with Chicago, during which he contributed to the team’s three Stanley Cup championships.

Kyle Davidson, the general manager, noted Kane’s ability to captivate the city with his skill and create memorable moments, helping to bring the franchise to prominence. Kane ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders with 446 goals, 779 assists, and 1,225 points.

Impact on the Blackhawks lineup

The addition of Kane provides further offensive presence for a team that will start the season without Connor Bedard, who underwent surgery on his left shoulder on July 8. It is anticipated that Kane will play alongside Bedard once the 21-year-old centre returns to action.

Last season, the Blackhawks recorded a 29-39-14 record, showing an 11-point improvement from the previous season. The team has finished at No. 31 in the NHL for the past three years. Chicago is aiming for its first post-season appearance since the expanded playoff format used after the 2020 season, which was affected by the pandemic.

While Kane’s current performance differs from his earlier stint with the Blackhawks, he registered 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season. He has achieved at least 50 points in 18 of his 19 seasons.

Career milestones and previous moves

Kane, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, surpassed Mike Modano in January for the most NHL points by a player born in the United States. He has accumulated 508 career goals, placing him fourth on the U.S. list, and 1,400 points in 1,369 regular-season games.

He was a key player during a successful period for the franchise, securing the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. The Blackhawks also reached the Western Conference Final in 2014, where they lost to the Los Angeles Kings in a seven-game series.

Kane, who received the 2016 Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, was traded to the New York Rangers in February 2023. Following this, the Blackhawks won the draft lottery and selected Bedard as the No. 1 overall pick that same year. Bedard had previously expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of Kane returning, noting the potential impact on the team and fans at the United Center.

His new contract with Chicago represents an average annual value that is double his previous deals with Detroit, which were one-year agreements, the largest of which was valued at $4 million. This deal could potentially be Kane’s final NHL contract.

The Blackhawks are a younger team with salary cap flexibility. Kane’s return is expected to be significant for the team, especially in setting up scoring opportunities and providing support while Bedard is sidelined. The excitement surrounding his return to the United Center is anticipated to provide a boost for the team, as Chicago fans have not had many reasons to celebrate in recent years.

Source: sportsnet.ca