We all know the story that Patrick Kane has been writing during his 12 NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks: A three time Stanley Cup champion, league MVP, eight time All Star and one of the most prolific set of hands the NHL has ever seen. Kane will go down in history as one of the all time greatest Blackhawks and arguably the greatest American hockey player ever, or at least of his generation. But, heading into the 2019–20 season, Kane has the chance to solidify his name even further among the greats in the dynamic history of the Blackhawks’ organization.
Patrick Kane ready to yet again join elite Blackhawks company
Following his career best season last year, Kane is just 62 points shy of reaching 1,000 for his career. Barring any injuries or a drastic decrease in production, he should hit that mark sometime this season. If he does, Kane will become the fourth player in Blackhawks history to reach 1,000 points with the organization, joining Denis Savard (1,061), Bobby Hull (1,153) and Stan Mikita (1,467).
With another season of 100 points or more, Kane could also join Savard and Jeremy Roenick as the only three Blackhawks players to post three or more seasons reaching the century mark in points. If he is able to reach 100 points or more in 2019–20 as a follow up to his 110 point campaign last season, he can join Savard and Roenick again as the only three players to post back-to-back 100 point seasons.
Feb 20, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) and defenseman Duncan Keith (2) wait for the face off during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. (Photograph courtesy of Raj Mehta / USA TODAY Sports)
Finally, at the risk of this becoming even more of a Kane gushfest, Kane and his Blackhawks partner in crime, Jonathan Toews, could become the 11th and 12th players to record 20 or more goals in each of their first 13 NHL seasons. Kane and Toews are currently two of three active players to reach 20 or more goals in each of their first 12 seasons, joining Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, who has reached 20 or more goals in each of his 14 NHL seasons.
After leading the Blackhawks in scoring for the fifth time in the last seven years, Kane will once again be relied upon as the offensive catalyst for the Blackhawks in 2019–20. If he can reach the 100 point plateau, etching himself deeper among the all time franchise greats, Kane could also be leading the Blackhawks back to the postseason after a two year absence.