DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – As the Detroit Red Wings come off a winning Thanksgiving week and start to the season, they have scored another victory with Patrick Kane set to sign with the team. 

Multiple reports, including ESPN, indicate that the former No. 1 draft pick will be set to play for Michigan after a several month hiatus from games as a free agent. 

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“It’s a great next move for the YzerPlan,” said Dave Akerly, former TV6 news and sports anchor, who covered the Wings Stanley Cup wins in person.

“He’s 35 years old and granted, his best scoring years are behind him,” Akerly said to Michigan News Source. “But his experience is vast, he’s a winner and arguably the best American to ever play in the NHL. If he’s got anything left in that tank, it’s simply a ‘no-lose’ for Detroit to bring him on board.”

In June, Kane underwent a hip resurfacing surgery, though he reported favorable and expedient results in August when he’d skated more than a dozen times. 

“It’s just exciting to see progression and just feeling better on the ice,” Kane told Sportsnet by phone. “Kind of getting back to my old self, so it’s pretty exciting.”

The ‘10, ‘13, and ‘15 Stanley Cup winner had hinted to Sports Net that he was open to offers to join other teams in August. 

“If someone wanted to come and give an offer that I was excited about, and a situation that I’m excited about, it’s not like I wouldn’t be listening just because of the situation I’m in,” he said. 

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In 2016, he was hailed as the league MVP and won the Hart Trophy, which was won by several former Wings players including: Gordie Howe and Sergei Fedorov. Kane also holds the record as the third highest American goal scorer ever in the NHL, behind Brett Hull and Mike Modano. 

From his genesis in the National Hockey League until 2022, he was a veteran member of the Chicago Blackhawks before playing for the New York Rangers for the 2022-23 season until his hip surgery. 

While playing for Chicago he shared a bench with newly minted Red Wing, Alex DeBrincat, who leads the team for goals scored. The team currently has a winningest season with 11 wins and 6 losses. 

The Red Wings are scheduled to play against the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks later this week, but it is uncertain whether Kane will suit up or sit sideline.