Chicago Blackhawks GM confirms team will not bring back Patrick Kane

The Chicago Blackhawks are riding high after winning the NHL Draft Lottery. They own the right to draft phenom Connor Bedard.

There is hope is the Hawks might bring back Patrick Kane to mentor Bedard.

Kane will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. That is why there is an opening for a reunion after the franchise traded the legend to the New York Rangers at the NHL trade deadline.

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson shot down any hope of Kaner wearing a Blackhawks sweater next season.

Davidson explained that he wants to give the next generation of Blackhawks the same opportunities to develop in the NHL like Kane was afforded back in 2007. That is why the franchise is moving on from their other legend, Jonathan Toews.

Kane and Toews were forced to become leaders back in the day because the Hawks’ roster was bereft of talent. Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin and winger Martin Havlat were the only true established stars during Kane’s and Toews’ rookie season. Havlat played in only 35 games that season.

Otherwise, the Chicago Blackhawks were in the same shape back then as where they are now. The only difference is Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith, and Patrick Sharp already had some valuable NHL experience. Those were core players that helped Kane and Toews win multiple Stanley Cups.

The Hawks currently have their cornerstone pieces like Kevin Korchinski, Frank Nazar, Ethan Del Mastro, and Sam Rinzel still playing in college or the juniors. Lukas Reichel has yet to skate a full season in the NHL.

It would make sense to hope Davidson brings Kane back since a lot of the players they will use to be around Bedard are still possibly a few years away from helping at the NHL level. Kane also thinks Bedard is going to live up to the hype.

Bedard’s game is a lot like Kane’s except Bedard’s body is a little bit more developed than Kane’s body was when Kaner debut in the NHL.

With the state of the roster, Davidson’s point of view is probably correct. Kane and Toews might not have become legends had they started out skating on the fourth line playing behind other stars.

Plus, Davidson does not want to tie up salary cap space on expensive veteran free agents.

Patrick Kane probably would not re-sign anyway.

Kane said at the end of the season that he did not even consider returning to Chicago.

Kane forced his way to the New York Rangers at the trade deadline in part because he wanted to chase another Stanley Cup. He was a good soldier during the year, but when the chance to move to a playoff team presented itself, Kane approved the deal.

Kane is still playing good hockey and probably no longer wants to waste years on a team that is nowhere near contending for a Stanley Cup.

Patrick Kane understands what the Chicago Blackhawks are doing, and it feels like he agrees that he should not be a part of it.

Kane will return to Chicago someday, but it will be after he retires and to see his No. 88 raised to the United Center rafters.