On Tuesday, the Chicago Blackhawks traded star winger Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers. Kane will be on a new team for the first time after spending the last 15 years in Chicago. The trade marks the end of an era for the franchise; one that saw them bring home three Stanley Cups, and a lot of memories. With the Kane era now in the rear-view, let’s take a look at the legacy that the star right winger left behind during his tenure with the Blackhawks.
The Legacy of Patrick Kane
Kane’s Time with the Hawks
Patrick Kane was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks with the first overall pick all the way back in 2007. Kane, along with Jonathan Toews, who was selected third overall in 2006, were meant to usher the Hawks into a new era. Kane made his NHL debut later that year after signing his entry-level deal, and the rest is history. The now 34-year-old Kane would spend the next 15 years playing for the Blackhawks. During that span, he helped lead the franchise to dynasty status over the last decade and a half. Kane was also named an assistant captain back in the 2015-16 season and has retained that status ever since. His impact on the franchise will have him go down as one of the best to ever sport the Hawks sweater.
Individual Success
Patrick Kane will finish his career as a Blackhawk with a whopping 1225 points in only 1161 games. This includes two campaigns of over 100 points, coming in 2015-16, and 2018-19. Kane was also named to the NHL’s 100 greatest players of all time list in 2017, and rightfully so. On top of his point totals, Kane has collected some serious individual hardware over the years. Kane won the Calder memorial trophy for rookie of the year back in 2007-08. He also managed to win the Hart, Ted Lindsay, and Art Ross during his spectacular 2015-16 season. Not to mention his Conn Smythe win during the Hawk’s 2012-13 playoff run. The longtime Hawks winger was also selected to the NHL all-rookie team in 2008, the First All-Star team in 2010, 2016, and 2017, as well as the NHL all-star game on nine occasions.
Team Success
Patrick Kane also has had some tremendous team success to couple with his individual success. Kane has helped lead the Hawks to a dynasty in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Kane led the Blackhawks back to the playoffs only two years after being drafted. The next season, the Hawks would win their first Stanley Cup since 1961. The cup-clinching goal in overtime against the flyers would be scored by none other than Patrick Kane. His goal and celebration would go down as one of the iconic moments in the sport. The Hawks would also win the Stanley Cup in the 2013 and 2015 seasons, cementing their dynasty. They also made a run to the conference finals in 2014 but were bested by the eventual cup champion Los Angeles Kings in seven games.
Patrick Kane has had one of the best careers we’ve seen in the modern era. Few players have had the individual and team success that he has achieved over his career. Kane’s prestigious resume not only has him going down as one of the best Blackhawks ever but also one of the best players ever. At 34 years old, Kane is still a brilliant player and he still hopes to expand his resume and trophy case. He will have that opportunity to win yet another Stanley cup with the Rangers this Spring. However, Patrick Kane will forever be remembered for the legacy that he will leave behind with the city of Chicago and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
