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Connor Bedard has made his pitch for Patrick Kane to return to Chicago after signing his five-year, $75 million contract extension.
With Kane reportedly deciding his next NHL team between the Chicago Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres, Bedard openly admitted he hopes the franchise icon chooses a reunion. His comments arrive as Chicago pushes toward playoff contention after another rebuilding season.
“Yeah, I hope so. I hope so,” Bedard said when asked about Kane’s possible return. “I don’t know what I can say to persuade his decision, but obviously we’d all be so excited to have a player like that, but also a guy like that.”
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Bedard highlighted Kane’s connection with the city and the impact a reunion would have inside the United Center.
I can’t imagine his first game back at the UC, the reaction he’d get and just how much juice that would bring to not only our team but our fans as well,” Bedard said. “That would be incredible, to get to play with him and learn from him.”
Kane remains one of the biggest names available in free agency. Hall of Famer Chris Chelios recently said the decision is down to Chicago and Buffalo.
“I am not gonna lie to you guys, it is down to Buffalo and Chicago. I know that,” Chelios said on 104.3 The Score.
Patrick Kane could accelerate Chicago’s next step
Chicago finished last in the Central Division with a 29-39-14 record in 2025-26. The team ranked 30th in goals with 213. Bedard still produced 75 points in 69 games despite missing time through injury. His 203 career points through 219 games exactly match Kane’s total at the same stage.
Meanwhile, Kane proved he can still contribute. The 37-year-old recorded 16 goals and 41 assists for 57 points in 67 games with Detroit.
Bedard believes Kane would improve both the roster and the dressing room.
“So, hopefully he decides to come back,” Bedard said. “I think it would, and he talked about the legacy aspect of it, but just as a team it would make us a way better team.”
Bedard then mentioned, “He’s still an amazing player.”
Bedard also made Chicago’s expectations clear after the offseason additions.
“We want to take a big step this year,” Bedard said. “We want to be a playoff team.”
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Kane would provide more than offense. His championship experience could help younger players while easing pressure on Bedard. Chicago has committed to its young star through 2031. Reuniting him with the franchise’s greatest modern player could speed up the next phase of the rebuild if Kane chooses to come home.
