The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan spoke with Red Wings forward Patrick Kane and coach Derek Lalonde regarding #88’s first full-participant training camp in several seasons:
“You can train as much as you want, but it’s different once you get into real games,” Kane said.
For those curious how Kane would look after re-signing with the Wings on June 30, and maybe age and the wear and tear of all these years finally beginning to catch up ― not to mention the hip surgery in the summer of 2023 ― well, Kane certainly hasn’t looked any slower. After an impressive 50-game stint with the Wings after signing a one-year contract in November, Kane has looked much where he left off.
“He’s had great energy,” coach Derek Lalonde said. “We’ve had two very productive camps the last two years, hence our really good starts. This one was designed to be a little bit harder, asking the group for a little more than last year. (I was) probably a little concerned about some of our older guys, but he’s pushed it. It’s a credit to having a full summer where his conditioning is.”
From the start of training camp in Traverse City in mid-September, Kane has said he feels good and credits the ability to train full bore this past summer as a key reason for his conditioning. Lalonde, too, has been impressed.
“He (Kane) just told me this has been one of the hardest camps 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.”
Continued (paywall)
