MLive’s Ansar Khan posted an article which discusses the state of one Patrick Kane, who was finally able to train “normally” this summer after spending several seasons dealing with his chronic hip issue.
According to Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde, Kane is in excellent shape, though he’s found this particular camp challenging…
“He’s had a great energy,” coach Derek Lalonde said. “We’ve had two very productive camps the last two years, hence our really good starts, but this one was designed to be a little bit harder, asking the group for a little more than last year. Probably a little concerned about some of our older guys, and he’s pushed it. It’s a credit to having a full summer where his conditioning is.”
Kane, 35, didn’t take part in a training camp last year following offseason hip resurfacing surgery. He signed with the Red Wings on Nov. 28 and was an integral part of a playoff push that fell just short. He re-signed for one year on June 30 and is eager to play a full season after producing 20 goals and 47 points in 50 games.
“He just told me this has been the hardest camp he’s ever been in, and he said he feels great,” Lalonde said. “A little earlier to the rink, a little later leaving the rink. Some warmup and some cooldown but I’m taken aback by where his conditioning is at. Good on him and a good sign.”
And Kane himself told Khan that he’s finally feeling like himself again:
“The few summers before, you were doing a lot of rehab or just trying to look for any type of relief in the hip area, just to feel as good as you can,” Kane said. “This year was more about, actually similar to the summer before. more resistance, more weight behind the exercises. More full-body stuff, not just necessarily focused on the hip. It was nice to be able to just kind of go into the gym feeling good and get ready for the workout and be able to train as hard as you can, like an athlete.”
Kane cited his comfort level and familiarity with the organization for re-signing a team-friendly cap hit of $4 million, with an additional $2.5 million attainable through bonuses, which would be applied to next season’s cap.
“Being familiar with the coaching staff, the way we want to play, the guys on the team, chemistry on and off the ice,” Kane said. “When you’re thinking about, making a decision and if you want to go to a new team or potentially stay in Detroit, I was looking back on it and I was really happy with the way last year went.”
Continued (paywall)
