'There's always business decisions': Kane loves Chicago, but leaves door open to changing teams
Patrick Kane has won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks. He's scored 420 goals and dished out 721 assists since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2007.
He's a franchise icon and a surefire Hall of Famer.
Does he want to finish his career in Chicago? That was one of the questions posed to Kane after the Hawks wrapped up practice Wednesday at Fifth Third Arena.
"Yeah, I think so," Kane said. "There's probably a lot of time to determine what's gonna happen in that regard. But let's be honest - I love Chicago, I love the city, I love the fans, the organization's been amazing to me and my family."
But then Kane cracked the door a bit to the possibility of moving on.
"There's always business decisions," he said. "In the game of hockey there's not many guys that play their whole career with one team. It would be a privilege and an honor to do that.
"I guess we'll see how it all plays out."
Niklas Hjalmarsson and Duncan Keith - both of whom will be at the United Center when the Hawks host Edmonton on Thursday - are two examples of players that moved on.
Hjalmarsson, who will be honored as part of a Hawks Legacy Night, was traded to Arizona in exchange for Connor Murphy in 2017. Keith was traded to the Oilers last off-season.
Kyle Davidson, who was named permanent GM on Tuesday, said he would be patient in rebuilding the Hawks and that it could take three to five years. Kane danced around a question about wanting to be around for such a long rebuild, but did say he'd be happy to offer advice to Davidson if asked.
"I'm here as a resource," Kane said. "I don't expect him to come to me for every move he's gonna make or talk to me about what his vision is. But I feel like as a resource I can be helpful if he wants to know about other players or players on the team. I can be here to answer questions for him."
Toews, others to play
Jonathan Toews, Tyler Johnson, Calvin de Haan and Riley Stillman will all be available to face Edmonton Thursday at the United Center.
Toews centered the second line at practice Wednesday, with Johnson and Alex DeBrincat on the wings. Johnson, who has played in just eight games, will reprise his bumper role on the top power play.
"It just creates more depth through our lineup," Kane said. "I'm sure those guys will be excited to get back."
Keith's return
Duncan Keith played for the first time in three weeks during Edmonton's 3-0 victory Tuesday at Philadelphia. The two-time Norris Trophy winner will make his first appearance at the United Center since the Hawks traded him to the Oilers in the off-season.
"He was of my favorite teammates over the years," Patrick Kane said. "Loved playing with him, loved being on the ice with him. He (wasn't) known to be too funny in the media, but he was really funny in the locker room (and) had his own personality.
"Obviously had an amazing career here in Chicago. ... Looking forward to that welcoming."
Keith scored 105 goals and had 520 assists in 1,192 games with the Hawks. He has a goal and 13 assists in 36 games for the Oilers.