Both the Free Press’s Helene St. James and Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff discuss Red Wings forward Patrick Kane’s decision to re-sign with Detroit late last month, framing their stories with comments made by Kane during his conference call with reporters last week.
St. James focuses on Kane’s motivation to re-sign with Detroit…
His decision on the eve of free agency to return to the Detroit Red Wings was a big win for the organization, and it came after Kane heard what general manager Steve Yzerman had to say about the direction of the team: That it needed to be a squad with the potential to build on last season, when the chase for a playoff spot lasted all the way till Game 82.
“We all want to build on last year,” Kane said last week. “That was the message I got as well. I think there’s definitely expectations going into this season, and that’s always a good thing — you want those expectations. You want, whether it’s the fans or the media or just players in general, to expect the team, the organization, to take the next step. I’m excited to be a part of that and hopefully have a chance to have a good regular season and play playoff hockey again.”
As well as Kane’s maturation into something of a salesman for the appeal of joining the Red Wings’ organization:
“For me, my heart was set on coming to Detroit and being back in Detroit,” he said. “I thought it was a good fit last year. Love the team. We were really comfortable living there. I think the suburbs of Detroit are unbelievable. I lived there when i was 14, but when I came back, I didn’t realize how nice they were, and what a great spot it is to live, raise a family. You have a lot of options, whether it’s playing hockey or the schools at your disposal. I really like how the rink is set up with having the practice rink and the game rink all in one venue. The organization treats you first class. There’s really a lot of good things going if you’re a free agent or if you’re a player and you want to come to the Red Wings, there’s a lot of positives.”
Duff focuses on five points which Kane made during his post-signing conference call, noting that Kane believes that the team as a whole can improve, as can Kane himself:
When counting the ways that the Red Wings can improve, Kane is also counting himself into that equation. Over 50 games last season, he was good for 20 goals. What can be bring to the table during his first full season with the Red Wings?
“For me right now, I think the main focus is to just getting as ready as I possibly can for the season to take that next step to my game and get to the next level,” Kane said. “It was a good fit on and off the ice and had a lot of opportunity to play in some good situations, whether it’s power play or top-six minutes.
The former Hart and Conn Smythe Trophy winner and three-time Stanley Cup champion thinks he can also be an asset to the team in areas beyond the ice.
“Maybe I’m leaned on a little bit more by the coaching staff in certain areas, or even in the locker room or a leadership role, things like that,” Kane said. “Obviously I’m 35, going to be turning 36 this year. So, I’ve been around for quite a bit and feel like I can bring that leadership aspect to the group and just kind of help the group along, whether it’s in good times or bad times.”
Continued; with David Perron exiting the stage to join the Ottawa Senators, the Red Wings are going to need Kane’s swagger and self-confidence on the bench and in the locker room in order to continue moving forward.
