Detroit City Wire

DETROIT -- The Red Wings will retain a veteran presence for the 2024-25 season. On June 30, the team announced they re-signed Patrick Kane to a one-year contract. Set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, Kane expressed his desire to return to Detroit.

“For me, my heart was set on coming to Detroit and being back in Detroit,” Kane said during a Zoom call with the media on Monday. “I thought it was a good fit last year. Love the team. We were really comfortable living there.”

Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman stated he was pleased with the agreement reached with Kane.

“We were able to do a contract that has some bonuses in it that allows us some flexibility with our salary cap,” Yzerman said on July 4. “To either use it this year or push it into next year depending on how this season goes.”

Kane joined the Red Wings in 2023-24, recording 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) in 50 games after signing a one-year contract with the club on Nov. 28, following hip resurfacing surgery on June 1, 2023.

“I had a lot of opportunity to play in some good situations, whether it was power play or top-six minutes,” Kane said about his debut season in Detroit. “Just want to take it to the next level next year.”

Kane led the Red Wings with seven game-winning goals last season, including three overtime winners.

"Looking back at some of the moments and some of the calls that (Bally Sports Detroit broadcaster) Ken Daniels had, I can watch those clips for the rest of my life," Kane said. "The calls he had on some of the goals I scored, those are moments that give you chills. You want to create more of those."

Kane spent his first 16 NHL seasons and won three Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks before joining Detroit.

“I love the fans,” Kane said. “I thought the fans really embraced me too... just the embrace of the fans was incredible.”

In 2003, Kane moved from Buffalo, N.Y., to play youth hockey in metro Detroit and lived with former Red Wings forward Pat Verbeek in Birmingham, Mich. He also played two seasons (2004-06) with the U.S. National Team Development Program based in Ann Arbor at that time.

Kane mentioned off-ice comfortability as a factor in his decision to re-sign.

“I think the suburbs in Detroit are unbelievable,” Kane said. “I lived there when I was 14 but when I came back... what a great spot it is to live and raise a family... I think the organization treats you first class.”

Staying healthy is among Kane’s top priorities for this season after limited training last summer due to hip resurfacing surgery.

“I feel really good,” Kane said. “Really happy with how I’m feeling with my body... Just kind of feeling like it’s all one is something I’ve been searching for throughout... after surgery."