With a full offseason to prepare and a full season to work with, just how far can Kane move the needle for Detroit
In trying to assess the Red Wings trajectory heading into the coming seasons, among the most interesting variables is 35-year-old winger Patrick Kane.
Kane signed a one-year deal, worth a minimum of $4.5 million and up to $6.5 million, on the eve of the free agent period's commencement to remain in Detroit. The first of the incentives to raise that minimum figure should be an easy hurdle to clear (just 10 games played for a million-dollar boost), while he could earn the remaining million if he plays 60 games, scores 60 points, and the Red Wings qualify for the playoffs.
In theory, Kane should be a known commodity. After all, he's been at the center of league conversations for nearly two decades at this point, and he played 50 games for Detroit last year—proving that his powers were none too diminished on the other side of hip re-surfacing surgery. However, now with a full offseason focused on training not rehab and a full season to work with, it's possible can eclipse the surprisingly lofty standard he set for himself a year ago,
On the most recent episode of The Silky Mitten State, Connor Earegood and I discussed our expectations for Kane and how he can move the needle for the Red Wings in the coming year. For a sample of the conversation, watch the clip above. For the full show, go to Spotify or Apple Podcasts: