(104.3 The Score) The Blackhawks have left the door open for a reunion with four-time All-Star winger and three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson declined specific comment on the team's level of interest while speaking Wednesday with the Mully & Haugh Show. However, Davidson made it clear the Blackhawks are open to Kane returning in Chicago.
"We're looking to improve the roster, we're looking to get better, we're looking to continue to take steps," Davidson said. "And adding some offensive talent potential to that. Now, I don't necessarily think it's productive for me to advocate one way or another or kind of disclose anything publicly.
"Patrick knows where we stand. And his understanding and the path we've taken over the last number of years has been something that was obviously communicated to him when he was here last time. I think everybody was in a different place at that time in terms of what we were looking to accomplish, what he was looking to accomplish. Patrick Kane's seen as a Blackhawk. We feel he's a Blackhawk for life. He knows where we stand on it.
"We've got such a great deal of respect and care for Kaner, that I think it would be derelict in my duty to not at least consider the option and to explore the possibility."
Kane, 37, is entering his 20th NHL season. He is considering options between the Blackhawks and Sabres, Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios told the Mully & Haugh Show last week. Kane is a Buffalo native.
Kane played 16 seasons with the Blackhawks, helping the team to the Stanley Cup championship in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He was traded to the Rangers in February of 2022 as the Blackhawks began a rebuilding effort. Kane then played the last three seasons with the Red Wings.
Blackhawks star Connor Bedard advocated for playing alongside Kane in addressing reporters on Monday.
"I hope so," Bedard said after signing a five-year, $75-million contract extension with the Blackhawks. "I don't know what I can say to persuade his decision, but we'd all be so excited to have a player like that but also a guy like that.
"I can't imagine his first game back at the [United Center], just the reaction he'd get and how much juice that would bring not only to our team but our fans as well. That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him."
