Patrick Kane Set to Make Red Wings Debut Tomorrow Night vs. San Jose Sharks

Sam Stockton

Dec 6, 2023, 19:42

Sam Stockton

Dec 6, 2023, 19:42

Per coach Derek Lalonde, Patrick Kane is poised for his Detroit debut on Thursday. Here's more from Lalonde on the process of managing the three-time Cup champion's workload and return

After Wednesday's optional skate, Derek Lalonde delivered the message that Red Wing fans were eager to hear: Patrick Kane will make his Detroit debut tomorrow night at Little Caesars Arena against the San Jose Sharks.

Just five Red Wing skaters took part in the optional session and Kane was not among them, but Lalonde explained that Kane's absence was part of the team's planned build-up to reintroducing the three-time Stanley Cup champion to game action.

"We've been pushing him hard," the second-year head coach said. "We thought it was within his best interest to get the day [off] today like most of our guys. He'll get a full morning skate tomorrow, and he'll be in the lineup." Kane's last game action came on May 1st last spring, when the New York Rangers dropped Game Seven of their first round series to the New Jersey Devils, ending their season.

As for Kane's role against San Jose, Lalonde explained that the plan is to ease the winger back in: "We'll probably start him with DeBrincat with maybe a couple different centers. We're undecided on that, and I think we'll be smart with how we use him. I don't know if he's ready for a regular shift. I think we'll monitor it. We'll probably have a target minute-wise with what we want to do with him." Lalonde added that Kane will feature in the Detroit power play.

Lalonde also noted that because the last week has been busy with four games in seven days, the Red Wings haven't had as much practice time they might have liked to catch Kane up to speed. Because of the unusual circumstances, Detroit anticipates some measure of trial and error in the process. As Lalonde put it, "a lot of unknowns still there, so I think we'll be patient with it and kinda let it play out a little bit."

Despite a prevailing and persistent sense of uncertainty, Lalonde praised Kane for "the professional individual he's been around our group," offering the example of his choice to fly into New York at midnight on the day of his signing just to be able to join the team for the following morning's skate.

As for the determination that Kane is ready to go, Lalonde said the Red Wings' medical staff had a huge part" to play, but "it basically also came down to Patty saying he's ready to go."

Finally, Kane's introduction means that a forward will be drawn out of the lineup, but Lalonde explained that Detroit is dealing with several "nicked up" players at the moment (he didn't specify who), so whichever player ends up out, it will be more like a maintenance day than a healthy scratch.