The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan posted a fine notebook article today, discussing Patrick Kane’s status as a still-enthusiastic rink rat, Sebastian Cossa’s important season ahead, Simon Edvinsson’s injury status and Carter Mazur’s added bulk.
Kulfan notes that Kane will soon be only a year younger than Los Angeles’ Anze Kopitar, who’s calling it a career after this season. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan coached Kopitar, and he sees a spark in Kane every time he comes to the rink:
At age 36 (37 on Nov. 19), Kane is in his 19th NHL training camp. Kane is getting older, but any sort of end doesn’t appear close. Not even close.
“You always look to the person as he’s arriving at the rink,” McLellan said. “You see his body language and the spark in his eyes, and is it becoming real hard, or work? Or does he still have that kid-like demeanor? In my opinion, he still has that kid-like demeanor.”
Kane continues to be a rink rat, spending as much time on the ice as he can. The passion toward the game isn’t disappearing.
“He could play forever,” McLellan said. “He still loves the game. Nineteen years is a long time. They know when it’s time (to end). I don’t think he’s close to that, so good for him.”
Kane himself says that he’s still excited to get going after an offseason that afforded him the ability to train normally:
“You still get the anxiety of training camp, the jitters of trying to show you had a good summer and you’re ready to go,” Kane said. “I’m just trying to take it day to day and stay confident and focused on working on some things that are going to help my game and help the team. I feel pretty good. I’m happy with where I’m at (physically) and another chance to start the regular season. It’s crazy that it has been 19 years. It doesn’t feel like that.”
Now two seasons removed from hip surgery, Kane felt more comfortable and at ease this past summer.
“This year was a lot more training-wise, like more of being an athlete,” Kane said. “Felt good on the ice, felt good skating. I didn’t need as much treatment this summer, which is a good thing, too. I feel like I’m in a good spot every day and just making the most of getting better and better.”
Continued (paywall)
