Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) has nominated Patrick Kane as the Detroit Red Wings' representative for the 2024-25 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This award is given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Each NHL team has one player nominated by their respective PHWA chapter. The winner is chosen through a poll among all the chapters at the end of the regular season.

"A great honor," Kane expressed to DetroitRedWings.com. "Always special to be honored for an award, but this one means a lot. Obviously with what I went through last year – my injury and hip – and trying to come back and play, I feel like I’m where I was before the injury. It feels good to be back playing."

Kane's return to form is noteworthy. He underwent hip resurfacing surgery on June 1, 2023, and after extensive rehabilitation, he signed a one-year contract with the Red Wings on Nov. 28, 2023. During the 2023-24 season, Kane achieved 47 points with 20 goals and 27 assists over 50 games.

Reflecting on the surgery, Kane said, "At the time, it might be tough to go through all that, but happy I did. Now, I’m on the better side."

The Red Wings decided to retain Kane for another season, re-signing him to a one-year deal on June 30, 2024. Currently, the 36-year-old Kane has delivered the third-most assists, the fourth-most goals, and points for the team in the current season, making a significant impact in 69 games.

"I feel like it’s really been a great fit," Kane shared about his tenure with the Red Wings. "Especially from my side, just coming in here and Steve [Yzerman] having the excitement and trust to bring me in and me being able to play."

Kane's leadership extends beyond statistics. He leads the Red Wings in game-winning goals and overtime triumphs. Detroit's coach, Todd McLellan, praised Kane's influence off the ice, "When Kane’s in the locker room, he’s not banging a drum and jumping up and down. He’s not the head cheerleader. He’s not driving the team that way, but his presence and the fact that he’s gone through these situations a lot in the past certainly helps…On the ice, it’s his presence and the way he makes plays.”

Kane remains motivated to improve his performance. He stated, “I think there’s been good parts to this season for sure. And parts where I wish I was a little bit more consistent or a bit better, especially early on, but for me I’m always trying to get to another level. I still feel like I have another level in me, so I’m always trying to reach that. As a player, you always expect more of yourself.”