Is Patrick Kane's Comeback Almost Complete?

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Ryan Hall
September 1, 2023 (12:35)

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It has been approximately four months since Patrick Kane donned a Chicago Blackhawks jersey, following his move to the New York Rangers in pursuit of winning a Stanley Cup. There were high hopes for Kane and the Rangers as they bolstered their front end with high-priced talent.

Unfortunately, they fell flat and failed to progress beyond the first round.
After the season concluded, it was revealed that Patrick Kane required major hip surgery and rebuilding, which was estimated to necessitate a recovery period of at least 6 to 8 months. Now, it seems that Kane is on the brink of readiness to return and play in the NHL once again.

The current unrestricted free agent, who will likely attract interest from multiple NHL teams once he receives medical clearance, discussed the progress of his recovery and his outlook for the near future.

"It's truly exhilarating to witness the progress and to feel more comfortable on the ice," Kane conveyed in an interview with The Associated Press. "I'm gradually regaining my old form, so there's a lot of excitement."

"I believe we're currently at a juncture where, hypothetically, could I make an early comeback? Yes, probably," Kane expressed. "However, does it truly make sense? Perhaps it would be wiser to allocate the full time and ensure that I'm performing at 105-110% rather than just 90-95%. Still, it's significantly improved compared to where I was last year."

While the team he will ultimately join remains uncertain, there is widespread speculation that he might opt for another stint with the New York Rangers. It is anticipated that he will sign a lucrative one-year deal, given his enduring strong capabilities and the consequent high market value that he commands.