NEWSLETTER
Patrick Kane remains the only No. 1 overall pick in Blackhawks history, and is among the franchise’s all-time leaders in every offensive category. But the end of his current contract and the future of the Blackhawks has forced all of us — the organization, the fans and Kane himself — to consider what the future might hold.
Better than 18,000 fans showed up to watch two of the worst teams in the NHL play a mediocre game last night, and they stayed until the Ducks won it in overtime. I’m fairly confident the majority of the fans who were there came to see one of their heroes perform in what might be one of the final games he has as their favorite team’s best offensive player.
And Kane gave us a performance to remember. Yeah, the Blackhawks lost the game in overtime. But 88 had some jump in his game and was pushing the action. It was a throwback performance for Kane, who has a lot on his mind right now.
Before Tuesday’s game, one of five remaining before the trade deadline on March 3, Kane spoke about having some perspective if this is indeed the end of his days in Chicago.
“It’s exciting to play in front of this crowd,” Kane told the media on Tuesday. “I think you’ll probably cherish these five games a little bit more before the deadline just not knowing what’s going to happen. It’s always exciting playing at home.
“I’ve always loved playing at the United Center in front of the crowd here. You kind of wish you had a little bit more time here this month, but it is what it is, so cherish all these games.“
That’s a powerful comment from a player who has only ever known the Blackhawks as his employer. Later in the day, he briefly appeared on the video board at the United Center as Jim Cornelison began another phenomenal rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. And it hit me directly in the feels — hard.
If we’re all feeling nostalgic about what might be the final days of Kane and Jonathan Toews in a Blackhawks sweater, these two are undoubtedly weighing a lot in their individual decision making processes. That’s why, as much as some want to tweet for them to “hurry up and go already,” it’s hard and we need to remember that.
As Kane relishes what might be his final few games as a Blackhawk, we should too.
