The Detroit Red Wings are staring at a three-point gap between them and the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with four games to play.
That’s not an insurmountable deficit, but not realistic to make up with so little runway to go. The Red Wings are likely heading to another playoff miss, with one particular moment potentially becoming the straw that broke the camel’s back this season.
That moment was the inexplicable penalty Patrick Kane took by tripping Quinn Hughes last Sunday. The Red Wings had miraculously come back from a 4-1 deficit to tie the game in the third period.
Then, Kane had a brain-freeze moment. The tripping penalty led to a power play goal that sealed the game for the Minnesota Wild and the season for the Red Wings.
Can’t believe it. #LGRW
The situation has led to questions about Kane returning next season. The three-time Stanley Cup champ was supposed to be one of those complementary pieces that could help the Red Wings get over the top.
And yes, he’s been a solid contributor for Detroit in his three seasons. He notched back-to-back 20-goal seasons, following that up with 15 this year. He’s consistently played over 17 minutes a night and has found a home in the Red Wings’ top six.
While he’s yet to really decline at 37 and following a hip resurfacing surgery, questions may now emerge about Kane’s long-term viability in Detroit.
Kane Could Be Squeezed Out of Red Wings Lineup
Kane will be a free agent this summer after signing a one-year deal with the Red Wings last summer. The former first-overall pick from the 2007 NHL Draft doesn’t seem like he’s slowing down. But the emerging crop of young guns in Detroit could force the club’s hand.
Budding stars like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Nate Danielson, and even Carter Bear could push Kane for a roster spot. With the Wings prioritizing a younger lineup, Kane may be on the outside looking in next season.
Now, that isn’t to say that Kane isn’t a serviceable NHLer even after 1,360 career games. But there will come a time when the organization may have to choose between giving prospects a fair shake at the roster or keeping veterans that may block the path for up-and-coming players.
What to read next: Red Wings Playoff Miss Could Lead to Massive Change
Detroit’s Failure This Season Will Be Magnified
The Red Wings’ failure this season will likely be magnified to a significant degree. The post-mortem dissection of the season could lead to some major shifts moving forward.
Whether Kane’s potential departure may be an outcome remains uncertain. Perhaps Kane opts to retire at the end of this season. Perhaps he doesn’t and looks for one more kick at the NHL can.
Frankly, Kane has nothing to prove. He’s got the Stanley Cups, the individual awards, and an outstanding resume. The former Chicago Blackhawks star is the all-time scoring leader among American-born players and ranks 25th on the all-time NHL scoring list. He’s two points away from catching Jarri Kurri for 24th.
That’s why Kane can just walk away from the Red Wings tomorrow as a true NHL great. He has a direct path to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Even so, Kane might want to come back for one more season just for the love of the game.
But as it stands, that additional season may not be in Detroit.
Red Wings Vet Might Not Be Back in 2026-27