Patrick Kane’s return creates a leadership question in Chicago

One of the reasons Blackhawks fans should be excited for this upcoming season is the return of Patrick Kane. After bouncing around the league for the past few seasons, Kane is coming home to Chicago after signing a two-year deal this past offseason.

This feels like the final chapter in Kane's career, playing for the team he brought so much success. While Kane should get a hero’s welcome on Opening Night, there are concerns that his presence could upset the leadership structure in the locker room. 

Will Patrick Kane still be a leader of the Blackhawks?

During his first stint with the Hawks, Kane was one of the most influential voices in the dressing room. He was an alternate captain for eight seasons during his original run with the team. Had it not been for Jonathan Toews, he would have likely worn the C during that stretch. Part of the reason the Blackhawks brought in Kane was to be a leader. To show the young stars like Connor Bedard what it takes to win and how to be a star player in Chicago. 

With that mindset, it makes sense for Kane to wear the C this time around. Sure, the captain is not the end-all, be-all for voices in a locker room. You can be considered a leader without wearing a letter. But giving someone with as much experience as Kane the C just makes too much sense not to. Especially considering the last captain, Nick Foligno, was sent to Minnesota this past trade deadline. The captaincy could be the one missing piece to Kane's legacy. 

However, some fans and analysts feel it is time for Bedard to take the reins as captain. Sure, Kane is here to mentor Bedard, but it is clear that it’s his team now. He is the face of the franchise, and the guy the Blackhawks are building the roster around. With how important he is to the roster, he should hold the most important position. Establish him as the captain now, so in a few seasons, he gets the hang of it when the Hawks are ready to compete.   

But this would create an awkward feeling in the locker room. As mentioned, the letter on the jersey is not the end-all, be-all for leadership. But it would be weird for the team captain to be mentored by another player. It would give off the feeling that Kane is the de facto captain, while Bedard is the figurehead. It makes much more sense for Kane to wear the next couple of seasons, then hand it to Bedard in a passing-of-the-torch-style move. 

While Bedard will be the captain of the Blackhawks one day, this season might not be when it happens. It’s best to give the captaincy to Kane, as he is the most experienced player on this roster. 

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