‘Time was right’: Patrick Kane explains return to Blackhawks

If there's one thing sports fans have learned this summer, it's that you can always go home.

Patrick Kane did just that on Thursday, penning a two-year, $16 million deal worth $8 million in AAV to return to the Chicago Blackhawks, the team with which he spent the first 16 years of his NHL career.

"Obviously the story's great, coming back to Chicago and being a Blackhawk again and kinda where I spend my summers and Chicago being my home, I think all that is great," Kane said at his introductory press conference on Friday when asked about what factored into the choice to return after more than three years away.

"But I think, most importantly, it was about coming to a team where I think I can fit in well. A team that's on the rise. A team that's looking to make some big steps forward and try to make the playoffs.

It was a long process for Kane, who took his time testing the waters of free agency before landing back on the banks of Lake Michigan. According to the 37-year-old, the decision came down to the Blackhawks and the Buffalo Sabres, his hometown team.

But eventually, the prospect of returning to the place with which he had the most success won out.

"It's always kind of in the back of your mind. I don't know if I ever really thought it was possible, to be honest with you. Kane said about whether he ever thought he would come back in free agency.

"Obviously, when Chicago showed their interest, it really got me interested as well. You start looking at the team, the potential, and kinda where they're at as a group, I think it really made sense and seemed like a perfect fit for me.

General manager Kyle Davidson added:"When Patrick departed a couple years ago, we were just in a totally different spot as a franchise. We were much more at the outset of this whole project. Now that we've got some of these draft picks that have entered the NHL, established themselves in the NHL.

Just felt from an organizational standpoint, from a roster standpoint, that the time was right.

After a productive 16 years in Chicago, capped off by three Stanley Cups in six seasons, Kane was traded to the New York Rangers ahead of the 2022-23 season as the Blackhawks jumpstarted their rebuild.

At the forefront of that rebuild was Connor Bedard, who the Blackhawks drafted first overall in 2023 after Kane's departure. While Chicago hasn't been able to escape the cellar in recent seasons, a bevy of high draft picks are on the roster as the young core begins to take shape — a factor that intrigued Kane as he contemplated his return to the Windy City.

"I want to learn more as a player, too. I wanna get better. Learn from the coaches, learn from even the young players," Kane said.

"Connor and (Frank Nazar) and all these young guys that have so much potential.

He said some extra special words for Bedard, whom he's exchanged texts with since finalizing his return to Chicago, saying that"He's such a special player. This'll be my 20th year in the league, and I'll probably see passes I've never seen before playing with him.

Over his 19 years in the NHL, Kane has established himself as the most productive U.S.-born player to hit the ice. In 1,369 career games, split between the Blackhawks, Rangers and Red Wings, he has 1,400 points (508 goals, 892 assists), the 24th most all-time.

And despite having put on the sweater of three different Original Six squads, one always meant a little more than the rest.

"When I look at myself and my career, I definitely view myself as a Blackhawk," Kane said.