Will Patrick Kane ruin his Chicago Blackhawks legacy by signing with this rival?

Patrick Kane is arguably the greatest player to skate for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Kane ranks in the top five in practically every offensive statistical category in franchise history. Winning three Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe is what puts Patrick Kane ahead of Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull.

Having a Hart and a Calder trophy is what separates Kane from Jonathan Toews. Also, being considered the greatest American-born player is another reason Kane can claim the GOAT status when it comes to playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Kaner was sent away from the franchise at the trade deadline. The team was in the middle of a tanking season and the franchise icon wanted to move on.

Now Kane is a free agent after finishing last season with the New York Rangers. He is still unsigned as he spent the offseason rehabbing from hip surgery. Patrick Kane is now back on the ice and rumored to be possibly signing with a hated Blackhawks rival.

Would Patrick Kane joining the Detroit Red Wings ruin his Chicago Blackhawks legacy?

If Kane signs with Detroit, it will not ruin his Hawks heritage.

First, the Hawks and Wings only play twice a year since they are in separate conferences. Yes, the United Center faithful still love to chant “Detroit Sucks!” when the Wings come to town. The Blackhawks and Red Wings rivalry will always be one of the greatest in the NHL. The heat has been turned down since there are fewer engagements.

The only way these two rivals will meet in the playoffs is in the Stanley Cup Finals. Unless Kaner scores a cup-clinching goal for the Wings, the chances of him ruining his Blackhawks legacy are slim.

The only other way he can ruin his image in Chicago is if he commits some sort of dirty penalty on Connor Bedard. First, that is not Kaner’s game. Second, that could happen on any team Kane chooses to sign with.

Also, Chris Chelios was traded to the Red Wings in 1999 and he is still considered a Chicago legend. Chelios played ten more seasons and won his Stanley Cup rings with Detroit. Yet, he is still embraced as a Hawks hero. Although, he has ties to Chicago since he was born and raised in the second city.

Much like Chelios, the Blackhawks no longer wanted Kane, so you cannot blame Patrick if he wants to go wherever he pleases.

Kane gave this city three Stanley Cup championships after it went 49 years without one. He helped revitalize a dormant franchise. He has earned grace if he decides to put on a Red Wings sweater.

Kane would have to take a pay cut to join the Wings. Detroit currently has around $5 million in cap space. Kane might be willing to do that to play with Alex DeBrincat. He also might want to sign a one-year deal to show he is fully healthy after his surgery and then re-enter free agency.

No matter what he chooses to do, it will not take the shine off his Chicago Blackhawks career.