Patrick Kane is officially returning to Chicago.
The Blackhawks announced Thursday that the team agreed to a two-year contract with the former star, which will run through the 2027-28 season.
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Kane was originally drafted by Chicago with the first overall pick in 2007, playing a pivotal role in three Stanley Cup championships and becoming one of the most important players in team history.
“Day in and day out for 16 seasons, Patrick captivated the city of Chicago with his dazzling skill, creating some of the most memorable moments in Blackhawks history as he helped bring our storied franchise back to the pinnacle of our sport,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “He’s shown on countless occasions that he knows what it takes to win at the highest levels, and we couldn’t be prouder for Patrick to once again call the United Center home and continue to shine in Chicago’s brightest lights.”
Rumors of Kane’s return began circulating last week.
Kane, who is among the franchise leaders in nearly every key offensive category, told former Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios he was deciding between the Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres when it came to his next move.
“I am not gonna lie to you guys, it is down to Buffalo and Chicago. I know that,” Chelios told David Haugh and Mike Mulligan on 104.3 The Score Wednesday morning.
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Kane, who will turn 38 years old in November, is likely looking at his last contract in the NHL before he hangs up his skates, and he’s still got some gas in the tank, having scored 16 goals and dished out 41 assists with the Detroit Red Wings last season.
Kane was a fixture with the Blackhawks for more than a decade before the team traded him to the New York Rangers during the 2022-23 season. Since then he has played for the Rangers and Red Wings.
During a press conference discussing his own new five-year, $75 million deal, Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard — another No. 1 overall pick — said it would be “incredible” to play with Kane.
“That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him,” he said. “Hopefully he decides to come back, and you talk about kind of the legacy aspect of it, but just as a team, it would make us a way better team. He’s still an amazing player.”
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