Detroit — Alex DeBrincat was an important reason Patrick Kane became a Red Wing in 2023, as Kane considered a spot to continue his NHL career.
The two have been linemates and friends for eight years, and DeBrincat wants to make sure there's a ninth season.
Kane is a potential unrestricted free agent on July 1, but DeBrincat for one doesn't want to see that happen.
"We all hope he comes back, he's a huge part of our team," DeBrincat said. "We're really working towards something here, and obviously it hasn't gone our way the past couple years. But we believe in the group we have and the players we have here, and he's a big part of that and he sees it too. That's why he chose coming here in the first place.
"But it's ultimately his decision and we can beg him all we want, but we'll see what happens.”
Kane, 37, didn't sound like a player eager to see what's out there in the free-agent marketplace during his season-ending media availability. He's grown attached to the Wings' organization in three seasons and has built relationships. Kane enjoys the area, and his son enjoys coming down to the rink and interacting with Wings' players.
But, possibly most of all, Kane is intent on getting the Wings into the playoffs. The Wings now own the longest playoff drought in the NHL at 10 consecutive seasons. Kane has been around for the last three, and wants to see that changed.
"I'd love to be part of the solution that helps us get over the hump, for sure," Kane said. "There is mutual interest to come back, continue my career here. It's been a great spot for me, my family, my son. It's been a great spot to continue my career. I've definitely enjoyed my time here. The organization has been absolutely incredible with me and my family, which is appreciated and something you realize as well."
Continuing to play with DeBrincat is another contributing factor. The two have had uncommon success with their on-ice chemistry.
"I love playing with Alex, and we have a great friendship and a great relationship," Kane said. "I'd love to keep playing with him."
Kane and the Wings have reached agreement on one-year contracts, loaded with bonuses or incentives, the last two years. It wouldn't be surprising to see something similar reached nearer July 1 this time around.
"I don't think anyone's in a rush to make any decisions or anything like that," Kane said. "We’ll see how everything plays out."
If there was any doubt whether Kane could still be a central figure on a team, those concerns were erased late in the season.
When the calendar flipped to March, and the Wings' most crucial games popped up, Kane was at his best. Kane had 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists) in his last 20 games, and the line of Kane, DeBrincat and Andrew Copp was the Wings' most consistent and productive.
"I still think I have the ability to elevate when it's the most important time," Kane said. "I've always been able to do that throughout my career, and I still think that's something that lives within me. I don't want to blame everything on the injuries in the beginning of the year, but I could have had a better year overall. Just looking at everything, I can be better next year, I can bring another level of production."
Kane was fifth on the Wings' scoring list with 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games. He reached several career milestones including scoring his 500th NHL goal on Jan. 8 and breaking Mike Modano's (Westland) record for points by a United States-born player (1,375). Kane ended the season with exactly 1,400 career points.
Coach Todd McLellan praised Kane's consistency the final weeks of the regular season, and doesn't see Kane's enthusiasm for the game waning.
"His passion for the game is evident every day he comes to the rink," McLellan said. “He's never down. He just wants to play hockey. You can see it in his practice habits. With that many games, miles, surgeries and stuff like that, sometimes you want to cut him a little slack, but he doesn't cut himself slack.
"He's an easy guy to coach. His professionalism is through the roof."
Kane appeared genuinely stunned he was doing a season-ending interview, rather than preparing for the first round of the NHL playoffs. Kane felt the Wings had a talented enough roster to get into the playoffs and potentially be a difficult opponent.