Amidst the palace intrigue of an apparent rift between general manager Steve Yzerman and captain Dylan Larkin (ostensibly rooted in a difference of opinion over the team's trade deadline strategy), there was some positive to come from Yzerman and coach Todd McLellan's end-of-year presser, namely affirmation of mutual interest between the club and Patrick Kane in a return.

Three Highlights from Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan's End of Season Press Availability On Tuesday afternoon, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman and head coach Todd McLellan held a joint press conference to officially put a bow on the 2024-25 season.  From Yzerman's response to captain Dylan Larkin's expressed frustration with the state of affairs to announced changes to McLellan's coaching staff, here's what you need to know coming out of the availability.

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Kane laid the foundation for optimism on this front in his end-of-year remarks, noting his appreciation for his time in Detroit, interest in continuing, and his son (Patrick Kane III)'s affinity for the Red Wings.

Kane Suggests Mutual Interest in Red Wings Return In April a year ago, Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane—then an expiring free agent<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/players/it-was-fun-to-be-a-wing-patrick-kane-expresses-gratitude-for-opportunity-in-detroit-uncertainty-around-future">—raised eyebrows at his locker clean-out day press availability</a> when he spoke about his time in the Red Wings in the past tense: "It <i>was</i> fun to be a Wing and in this organization. I'll definitely have some memories to last me a life time," Kane said then.

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When asked about Kane's pending unrestricted free agency, "We had a brief discussion in our meeting that we would preferably try to get some things in place if we can early.  If not, we'll figure something out down the road, but there's strong mutual interest from both parties.  Or, at least, I should speak for myself.  I know Patrick had suggested it in his time up here with the media as well.  He's played well for us, played an important role for us, and he's really a very professional guy in his approach and his attitude, and he's a good asset for us."  When asked for follow-up, Yzerman added that he is "optimistic" about getting a deal done.

As you may recall, last summer, the Red Wings and Kane looked to be on the brink of going their separate ways before agreeing to a new deal on the eve of the free agent period opening.  This year, it sounds as though both parties aspire to lock that deal in place before that point.

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