ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski asked Red Wings forward Patrick Kane about the return of Jonathan Toews to the NHL as Toews has signed as a free agent with the Winnipeg Jets:
“I think it’s awesome. Obviously with what he’s been through, to be able to put himself in a position to come back and be feeling good, I think that’s the most important thing,” Kane told ESPN on Tuesday. “It could be really a great story for the NHL and for the franchise and for him and his family. So I’m excited about watching him.”
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“We talk quite a bit. He came to Chicago about a month ago, so I was able to see him there. Even obviously with him not playing the last couple of years, he’s been great — just keeping in touch and reaching out after a game every now and then. Always nice to hear from him,” he said.
Kane also left the Blackhawks in 2023 when Chicago traded him to the New York Rangers.
“It’s funny how your paths kind of change, right? You’re seeing each other every day for 17 years and then all of a sudden, you kind of go your separate ways,” he said. “I felt that way about some of my other teammates too, like Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp. These are your best friends. All of a sudden they retire or they go to a different team and you don’t see them as much. It’s kind of wild.”
With Toews potentially finishing his career in his hometown, there’s always been speculation that Kane could do the same, having grown up in Buffalo. Is that something he’d consider?
“You know what? I feel like I’ve been pretty fortunate with the franchises that I’ve played for. Chicago. New York was a great experience, even though it didn’t work as well as I’d hoped. Now, Detroit,” Kane said. “I mean, I’ve really, really enjoyed my time there. It’s been a great place to kind of revive my career and play in a good situation and be on a team that’s on the rise.”
Continued; Kane’s not heading to Buffalo.
