NEWSLETTER
Following the end of the first day of training camp in Chicago, Patrick Kane spoke with the media about why this year’s team feels so different (kind of an obvious feeling without the likes of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook around, right?).
Patrick Kane says the team has a different feel this year, even though he misses Seabrook and his “stupid little jokes.” pic.twitter.com/Hag0JeMmVI
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) September 23, 2021
Kane is one of the leaders of the Blackhawks again this season, but it’s a little different than usual. With the losses of Keith and Seabrook, the weight of carrying the locker room falls to Kane. Or, at least, it looked like it would be for a while. Instead, with some key offseason additions (Marc-André Fleury and Seth Jones, in particular) plus the return of Jonathan Toews, Kane’s burden should be eased.
And that should relieve some pressure and allow him to focus more on his own game.
And that’s especially good news, considering the news that Kane has been dealing with a minor “nagging” injury/issue since the 2020 postseason bubble in Edmonton.
“Something that happens as you play hockey. . It’s not completely healed but I’m optimistic.”—Patrick Kane on dealing with an undisclosed injury.
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) September 23, 2021
Whatever the issue may be, the hope is that it can be put behind Kane this season (or at least that it won’t hinder his ability on the ice). Again, he was dealing with this issue all last season and still finished fifth in scoring in the NHL.
Kane did something last season that he hasn’t done in his entire NHL career with the Blackhawks: play without Jonathan Toews. After missing all of the 2020-21 season, Toews is back and preparing to be ready to go for the Blackhawks on opening night (October 13th) against the Colorado Avalanche. Kane spoke on Thursday about what having Toews back with the team means to him and his teammates.
Patrick Kane on getting Jonathan Toews back and what he missed about him. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/1QkfPgL2RC
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) September 23, 2021
With the plethora of moves made this offseason by the Blackhawks, including the additions of Seth Jones, Marc-André Fleury, Jake McCabe, and Tyler Johnson, the expectations for Kane and the Blackhawks have sky-rocketed from maybe, possibly being in the mix for the playoff hunt to being a disappointment if they don’t make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Patrick Kane on offseason moves: “I was personally really excited about the opportunity to play with Seth Jones. Stan had mentioned to me that they were going to go after him. When they mention something like that and they go and get it done, it's a great feeling.” #Blackhawks
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) September 23, 2021
The quick exit from “rebuild” mode has Kane, and I’m sure his teammates, excited for the upcoming year. I know I’m excited.
