Red Wings get major Patrick Kane contract update originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Red Wings did not have a great end to a relatively successful 2025-26 season, and now their playoff drought extends to 10 straight seasons. With a slew of upcoming Unrestricted Free Agents needing new deals, rumors are swirling that only one will get picked up and the rest will be let go.
Out of all of the UFA’s up for a new deal, only winger Patrick Kane will be brought back for the 2026-27 season. That means that Travis Hamonic, Cam Talbot, Eric Gustafsson, James Van Riemsdyk, and David Perron will be needing a new deal with another team next season.
Kane, who will be entering his 20th NHL season next year, is one of nine players born in the United States to amass 1000 career points. In 2025-26, he had 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points in 67 games. Even in the twilight of his career, “Hat-Trick” Kane is still putting up some serious numbers.
The Red Wings are in an interesting spot, as they are stuck in no man’s land. This decade-long playoff drought leaves them in a position that is neither a rebuild nor a contender. Last season was their strongest showing in a few seasons, at least until the freight train that was the Buffalo Sabres came along and wiped the floor with the Atlantic Division.
The Ottawa Senators made a late charge toward the Playoffs, as did the Montreal Canadiens, who surprised many as a contender. The Red Wings did not have enough in the tank to keep up and finished on the outside looking in.
Retaining Kane could be a great decision, as this could be a one-year deal they can afford. All of the other players mentioned above are also in later stages of their careers, but did not have the same impact as Kane did this past campaign.
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