Patrick Kane’s Impact Goes Beyond the Numbers for Blackhawks

The Bulls have Michael Jordan, the Bears have Walter Payton, but when you look at the Blackhawks, who do they have?

The Chicago Blackhawks have had a long list of extremely talented players throughout their historic background. The names of past stars such as Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Denis Savard instantly come to mind.

Right now, the Blackhawks have 7 numbers retired in the rafters; 7 players they consider in a league of their own. To me, one current player that has separated himself from that group would be Patrick Kane.

Patrick Kane does not have his number retired with the Blackhawks yet, but he is currently fourth in all-time points for the Blackhawks with 938 and has the fifth-best single-season point total in franchise history with last season’s 110 points.

However, Kane’s impact and legacy are much more than the number of points he produces.

Kane eyed much of the Blackhawks’ development camp just like any fan would and appears energetic about the young guys in the ‘Hawks system.

Not many players have as much of a role in their respective franchises like Kane does with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Patrick Kane has not had an offseason in the last few years. He has been pushing himself to the limit in offseason workouts and truly dedicated himself to improving his game. This may explain why the best point total of his career came at the age of thirty.

It may be crazy to think about, but Kane might not have reached his true potential yet. Could there really be another level to his game that he has not tapped into?

In the last four seasons, Patrick Kane has missed one game. He is loyal to the Blackhawks and has been there for the team whenever they need a spark.

Kane is one of the best Blackhawks of all-time, and he is also one of the best American-born hockey players of all time.

He was the first American to win the Art Ross trophy in 2016 and is constantly raising the bar for American hockey.

When the Blackhawks brought up young players a few seasons ago, like Vinnie Hinostroza and Nick Schmaltz, Kane was the one that worked with them and tried to help them elevate their games.

The energy Kane has brought to the table the last few years has amazed fans. His long point streaks have been fun to watch and have occurred more frequently over the last few seasons.

The Blackhawks have been able to look to Patrick Kane when they need a big-time goal. Kane’s ice time has been skyrocketing over the last few seasons. He averaged 22:29 minutes of ice time per game last season, which is a career-high.

Kane is an outstanding player and he has always made time for fans. Hockey players tend to go above and beyond for their fans. It is about more than what they contribute on the ice. Patrick Kane has always been there to talk with fans and make their day better.

I know Patrick Kane has had a troubled past, whether it be the incident with a cab driver or the 2015 allegations against Kane; he has not always been the best role model. The things he did will always be a part of his name and the career he has had.

With the bad that has come with Patrick Kane, there is plenty of good. He has become a determined leader in the Blackhawks’ locker room and is always the guy when they need a big goal.

Although he does not wear a ‘C’ on his jersey, Kane carries the team on his shoulders game in and game out.

This is why if the Blackhawks plan to make it back into the playoffs this year by reopening the championship window, that all starts with Patrick Kane.

Kane is going to have his number retired by the Blackhawks, but in my opinion, the honor will be more than just a number in the rafters, he will be considered Mr. Blackhawk.