Chicago Hockey Now’s Nate Brown has written that he expects University of Michigan standout Frank Nazar to be in the Chicago Blackhawks’ lineup next fall. On Easter Sunday, Nazar made the case himself by demonstrating how entertainingly slick he can be offensively in helping Michigan down Michigan St. to reach the Frozen Four.

As the video below shows, Nazar (Chicago, 13th overall, 2022) delivered a puck through his legs to set up Gavin Brindley (Columbus Blue Jackets, 33th overall, 2023) for the team’s fourth goal in a 5-2 win.

The presumption is the Blackhawks will offer Nazar a contract as soon as Michigan’s season is over.  The Wolverines will play Boston College on Thursday, April 11 (8:30 p.m., ET, ESPN2) in the Frozen Four semifinal at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Denver and Boston University are playing in the other semifinal.

“There’s no fooling anymore,” Brown wrote on Chicago Hockey Now. “Frank Nazar is the real deal and will be a strong candidate to not only get that entry-level deal–but also a real shot at the Blackhawks opening night lineup come October.”

This pass from @umichhockey's Frank Nazar is

: ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/Ih4ArLQKeh

— Big Ten Hockey (@B1GHockey) April 1, 2024

Red Wings g  Case You Missed It

• Red Wings prospects Shai Buium (Denver) and Kienan Draper (Michigan) will both be playing in the Frozen Four NCAA champion starting April 11.
• Detroit top goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa hasn’t lost Grand Rapids Griffins in regulation since Jan. 12. He has earned at least one point for his team in 17 consecutive games.
• Detroit is 0-2-2 on this road trip. Is the team in a state of denial? Bob Duff weighs in.

Red Wings Next Game

The clock is ticking for the Red Wings. With only eight games remaining, every game is a must-win contest, including tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Coach Jon Cooper’s Tampa Bay is 8-1-1 in their last 10, but Detroit has beaten the Lightning twice this season.

Hockey Now Network

Montreal: Premium prospect Lane Hutson helped Boston University reach the Frozen Four with a 6-3 win against Minnesota. Hutson had the GWG in that game. His Terriers will play Denver on April 11. Defenseman Hutson has 49 points in 37 games.  Montreal Canadiens.

Nashville: Matthew Wood, the Nashville Predators’ 2023 first round pick, is changing schools to continue his NCAA career. After playing two seasons at the University of Connecticut, he is entering the transfer portal.

Philadelphia:  PHN takes a look at the Philadelphia Flyers‘ playoff odds and the possible scenarios if they make the postseason.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski tries to make sense of why the Pittsburgh Penguins have lost in regulation 19 times after leading in the game. That’s certainly at the heart of the team’s struggles this season.

The post The Daily: Michigan’s Nazar Makes Must-See Pass; Preds’ Draftee Transferring appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Chicago Hockey Now’s Nate Brown called the Chris Chelios jersey retirement celebration a “stirring ceremony.” It was clearly a special night for a player who is from the Chicago area.

Even though Chelios was a Red Wings defenseman for many seasons, Detroit fans probably don’t begrudge Chelios having some fun about wearing both jerseys during his career. He made some jokes about it during his speech that landed pretty well.

“The afternoon belonged to Chelios and as the No. 7 rose to the rafters,” Brown wrote, “The crowd roared its approval. Safe to say, he’s one of them again–and forever.”

Chelios paid homage to Patrick Kane as well. He was playing his first game in Chicago since being traded last season. He noted that Kane will also have his number retired in Chicago some day. Kane appreciated the shout-out.

“It’s great,” Kane said. “He’s been a great friend for a long time. I think everyone that knows Cheli knows he’s a legend and he’s definitely deserving of this honor. So it was nice to sit out there and hear his speech and hear his journey. Obviously, great for him to mention me, too. That was a nice touch.”

Red Wings In Case We Missed It

• Patrick Kane enjoys memorable return to Chicago, scoring an overtime goal to lift the Red Wings to a win they probably didn’t deserve.
• Detroit prospect goalie Trey Augustine is up for a major award in college hockey
• The Red Wings have 24 games remaining. How many will Alex Lyon play? We make a projection in this paywall story. We are trying to increase our subscription base to keep the website viable. If you can help, sign up here. We will give you $10 off. Use the promo code: kevin10.
• Thanks to the performance of top Red Wings prospects, the Grand Rapids Griffins extended their points streak to 15 games with an important win against Milwaukee. Sebastian Cossa made 37-6 7 saves.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings play the wild card-contending Washington Capitals Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m.). They play the New York Islander at home Thursday. Detroit owns a nine point lead over Washington and a 10-point gap over New York. They could provide themselves with comfort by sweeping these two contests. The Red Wings boast a five-game winning streak.

Hockey Now Network

Philadelphia: Flyers prospect Matvei Michkov falls just short of KHL scoring record. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Flyers 7-6 in a chaotic game that puts the Penguins playoff fate back in their hands.

New Jersey: Coach Lindy Ruff accepts responsibility for the New Jersey Devils‘ poor play this season.

San Jose: Nico Sturm still believes he’s in the San Jose Sharks plans, but he’s ready for anything.

Vegas: Overrun by injuries, the Vegas Golden Knights have inquired about what it would take to land Jake Guentzel.

The post The Daily: Special Night for Chelios in Chicago; Ruff Accepts Blame in NJ appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

During Chris Chelios’ speech at his Chicago Blackhawks jersey retirement ceremony, he took time to pay homage to Patrick Kane’s first game back in Chicago. Chelios said Kane will have his number retired by the Blackhawks and be the greatest American player of all-time.

NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, in attendance to support his friend Chelios, was among the first to rise to give Kane a standing ovation.

Three-plus hours later, Kane reminded everyone why he has so much respect among hockey greats when he scored a breakaway goal at 1:42 of overtime to give the Red Wings a 3-2 win against Chicago on a night when the Detroit squad played poorly. This was Detroit’s NHL-leading 11th third-period comeback win.

It was Kane’s first game in Chicago since the Blackhawks traded him last season. This was also Detroit’s fifth consecutive win.

Where did this night rank among Kane’s many meaningful nights of his career?

“Right now it’s up there,” Kane said. “It feels really good right now. Really, really happy with the group. This group has been unbelievable to me, welcomed me in and shared these moments. The guys giving up the assistant captain for me today, pretty special, too. Just things like that. There’s a lot of camaraderie in this group. It feels good to obviously score that goal. Even bigger to get a win against these guys.”

BECAUSE OF COURSE HE DID!

In his return to Chicago, Patrick Kane (@88PKane) nets the @Energizer overtime winner! pic.twitter.com/0sazlTuJp5

— NHL (@NHL) February 26, 2024

“It’s the story of the last week or two…we found a way to win,” said Detroit goalie James Reimer told Bally Sports.

Kane Always Able

It’s been Kane’s story throughout his career. He delivers when it’s all on the line. That’s why he has won three Stanley Cup championships, a Conn Smythe Trophy and a Hart Trophy. His resume also includes a Cup-clinching overtime goal.

On a night when the Blackhawks badly outplayed the Red Wings, Kane assisted on Alex DeBrincat’s tying goal with 4:16 left in the third period. It was DeBrincat who found Kane all alone for a pass in the OT.

Kane looked like the calmest person in the arena as he surveyed the situation on the breakaway. H  deked with his eyes, and then ripped a shot high over Chicago goalie Petr Mrazek.

Everyone in the building probably expected him to convert the chance because he is among the NHL all-time leaders in seizing the moment.

“He’s coming in on a breakaway with a chance to win the game. And sure enough, he’s automatic,” said Reimer, who made 33 saves to join Kane on Detroit’s list of major contributors. Daniel Spring, a fourth liner, scored his 16th goal.

“There’s something about this group,” Kane said.

There’s been something about Kane since he signed with Detroit. His surgically repaired hip has given him no trouble. Kane has 28 points in 27 games and his two-point game extends his ongoing points streak to eight games. He has five goals and seven assists for 12 points in that span. This is his second OT goal during the streak; three days ago, he beat the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 with an OT goal from the slot.

Red Wings Were Sluggish

This was Detroit’s second game in two nights, and the Red Wings were a team that was out of sync for much of the game. Giveaways. Poor passing. Sluggishness. The Detroit players didn’t look like the team that had humbled the St. Louis Blues 6-1 Saturday afternoon.

Reimer had to stop Connor Bedard on a third-period breakaway just to pave the way for the big goals by DeBrincat and Kane. DeBrincat’s goal was banked off the backside of Mrazek from behind the goal line. Right before Kane’s OT goal, Reimer made a strong stop on Chicago defenseman Seth Jones.

With Alex Lyon playing well, the Red Wings only need Reimer to give them a chance with his occasional starts. He has won his last three starts, and only given up four goals in those three outings.

The win over Chicago is important because it allowed the Red Wings to stay in the first wild card position and improved their lead to eight points over New Jersey.

The post Kane Finds the Spotlight in Chicago Like You Knew He Would appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Connor Bedard is now on the list of National Hockey League players who have scored a “Michigan Goal.” Before long, Bedard will be on many lists of NHLers with rare accomplishments.

The rising young superstar Bedard scored his 13th goal of the season by scooping the puck off the ice, and flinging it lacrosse-style into the St. Louis net from behind the goal line.  Blues goalie Jordan Binnington may have been the most surprised person in the building. Chicago Hockey Now’s Nate Brown called the goal Bedard’s “most impressive goal of his young career.”

Former NHL player Ryan Whitney, who co-hosts the popular podcast ‘Chiclets’, said this on social media after the goal: “I will gladly watch every Chicago Blackhawks game this year. It doesn’t matter they aren’t a good team yet, a player like this changed everything.”

The Blackhawks lost that game 7-5 to St. Louis. But Whitney is certainly correct that Bedard is worth the price of admission home and away.

OH MY CONNOR BEDARD pic.twitter.com/WUzWhEraJp

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 24, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Bob Duff writes that the Red Wings lost more players to injury (Christian Fischer and Jeff Petry) and another game (to New Jersey).
• Merry Christmas Red Wings fans! Your gift was a Simon Edvinsson call-up from Grand Rapids. (The Red Wings sent him down after the game).
• Patrick Kane definitely has rediscovered his offensive groove.  He scored another goal Saturday against the Devils.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings are in their Christmas break and won’t play again until Wednesday when they are on the road against the Minnesota Wild. The Red Wings are struggling. They are 2-7-1 in their last 10 games.  Detroit has given up four or more goals seven times in that 10-game span.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jimmy Murphy had a Festivus-like “airing of grievances” about the Boston Bruins.

Florida: Christmas came early for the Florida Panthers with a 4-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights in their Stanley Cup rematch.

Pittsburgh:  Former Detroit Red Wings goalie Alex Nedeljkovic is playing well enough to earn more playing time than a backup should get. He has started four of Pittsburgh’s last five games. PHN’s Dan Kingerski is not ready to call it a goalie controversy, but it will be interesting to watch. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Coach David Quinn praised Mario Ferraro and defended goalie MacKenzie Blackwood after the San Jose Sharks’ loss to Vancouver.

Vegas: Goalie Adin Hill, the Stanley Cup hero, is back on the injured list. Vegas Golden Knights. 

The post The Daily: Bedard Nets ‘Michigan Goal’ vs. Blues; Ned Hot For Pens appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Patrick Kane couldn’t be on the ice to set up Detroit Red Wings teammate Alex DeBrincat for a milestone goal, so he did the next best thing.

He called it.

Joining Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond in the Bally Sports Detroit broadcast booth, Kane was suggesting that it would be great if DeBrincat would tally his milestone 200th NHL goal while he was on the call. You can guess what happened next.

Alex DeBrincat scores his 2⃣0⃣0⃣th career goal!#LGRW pic.twitter.com/wnvlagTGCQ

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) December 3, 2023

During a Detroit power play, taking a pass from Moritz Seider, DeBrincat would bank a one-timer off Montreal goalie Jake Allen and into the net.

“They were playing with it a little bit at the top,” DeBrincat told Trevor Thompson of Bally Sports Detroit. “I saw the lane there and Mo made a great pass. Just trying to beat the goalie there. It’s a tough play for the goalie to read and I just banked it in off of him.”

Kane, who dished out 72 helpers on goals by DeBrincat during their time together with the Chicago Blackhawks, was this time assisting via ESP.

Tight Bond Between DeBrincat And Kane

Kane was admitting that the presence of DeBrincat in Detroit was a key element in him ultimately choosing to sign as a UFA with the Red Wings.

“Alex was definitely one of them,” Kane said. “The chemistry we had on the ice the last couple years in Chicago. He’s become one of my better friends around the league off the ice as well. We both love the game. We want to do as best as we can every time we’re on the ice.”

In fact, the two are so tight that they don’t have any problem calling each other out.

Patrick Kane joins us LIVE in the booth during the second period to discuss why he chose Detroit and his favorite Red Wings player of all time (Pavel Datsyuk). #LGRW pic.twitter.com/aMMPmYWN8X

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) December 3, 2023

“If we had a situation where we were mad at each other, it was fine to kind of bicker at each other and yell at each other,” Kane said. “Neither one of us would take it personally. It would make us that much better to try to go on the ice and do something and be successful.

“I really liked that about him. Especially being a younger guy and playing with more of a veteran like me he wasn’t afraid to kind of give it back to me, so to speak. That earned a lot of my respect for him, too. He was that competitive, he wanted to do well. He was passionate about the game.”

The post Gotta Hear It: Kane Calls 200th NHL Goal by Red Wings DeBrincat appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Captain Dylan Larkin was absent from the lineup of the Detroit Red Wings for the past two games. On Friday, Larkin went public with the tragic reason for his absence.

Larkin and his wife Kenzy, who were expecting their first child, have lost the baby.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dylan Larkin (@dylanlarkin71)

“This week my wife and I said goodbye to our baby,” Larkin posted on his Instagram account. “It’s hard to find words or positivity in this, but we greatly appreciate your support and understanding, and thank you for respecting our privacy.”

The Larkins were expecting a girl in April. They were married last August.

Larkin Expected To Play Saturday

The Red Wings are in Montreal to play the Canadiens on Saturday. Following Thursday’s 5-1 home-ice win over the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit coach Derek Lalonde was indicating that expectations are the Larkin would be back to play in that game.

“I would expect Dylan back for us on Saturday,” Lalonde said. Howver, that statement was made prior to his captain going public with the reason for his absence from the team.

Larkin was missing for Thursday’s game, as well as Wednesday’s 3-2 loss at the New York Rangers. He is currently on the club’s non-roster list, since his absence is not injury-related.

Lalonde admitted that the Red Wings were a much different club minus their on and off-ice leader.

“The lineup looks so much different with Dylan,” Lalonde said. “Even last night, it adds more minutes to some guys. Obviously, Dylan is our leading minutes guy, our No. 1 center and plays in every situation. You look at anytime he’s out and you can be successful it’s a positive.”

Larkin is leadng the Red Wings in scoring with 8-13-21 totals from 20 games. Oddly enough, he’s also leading the team in penalty minutes with 29. In his recent game, Larkin was collecting a goal and an assist last Sunday during a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Wild.

The post Red Wings Captain Larkin, Wife Kenzy Suffer Tragic Loss appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

There certainly was a time when leaving the Chicago Blackhawks for the Detroit Red Wings might’ve seemed completely implausable to Patrick Kane.

That time, though, was a long time ago.

“I think it was such a rivalry for the Blackhawks and Wings,” Kane said. “Probably back in the 80s or 90s and early 2000s. Even when we had to play them in the conference finals in 09 and then playing them again in the playoffs in 2013, it was always a team that we were striving to beat.

“Even organizationally it was always someone we were looking up to and striving to be.”

Patrick Kane jokingly tells young #Blackhawks fan wearing Connor Bedard jersey: “We’ve got to change the 9’s to 8’s.” pic.twitter.com/WYgf5YrYiW

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 30, 2023

Now he’s part of the Red Wings organization. Kane is still capable of looking back fondly upon his successful days with the Blackhawks. However, he isn’t expecting to be overcome with emotion while watching his new team play his old team at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.

“When you’re looking for the right situation for yourself, you kind of put that stuff aside a little bit,” Kane said. “I loved my time in Chicago, I loved everything about being a Blackhawk.

“Sometimes you kind of move on from different things and you look for different opportunities and situations. This seemed like the right one for me.”

Being With Red Wings Feels Right To Kane

As a UFA holding the option to sign with any NHL team, Kane was admitting that there was some unseen force pulling him toward the Red Wings.

“Detroit was in my heart,” Kane said. “When it came around to making the decision, I always kind of felt like it was in the back of my mind. If I was thinking about another team, Detroit was the next team popping up. It just made sense for me.”

Kane was living in the Detroit area while in high school, playing first with Honeybaked and later with the USNTDP. He billeted with former Red Wings player Pat Verbeek and was frequently coming to see the team play at Joe Louis Arena.

A smiling Luke Richardson on Patrick Kane not playing vs. Chicago: “We don’t need to see him. We’re happy that he has to take a few days. … We’ll see him in February when he’s in town. Once is enough.” #Blackhawks

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 30, 2023

“It’s a great organization,” Kane said. “It’s run by one of the best players of all-time in (GM) Steve Yzerman. There’s so many legends that have played for the franchise – you can go down the list, Gordie Howe, Nick Lidstrom, Yzerman, (Sergei) Fedorov, (Pavel) Datsyuk, (Henrik) Zetterberg, on and on.

“They call it Hockeytown for a reason. I felt like I needed to be in a market where hockey is popular and it can get the city and the crowd excited. Hockey is big thing here in Detroit. Kind of excited about adding to that and playing my game and hopefully bring a lot of excitement to the city and the fans the organization and my teammates.”

Kane Excited About Return To Chicago

That night won’t be happening Thursday. Kane might not be overtly emotional about seeing his new club face his original club. He’s already circling Detroit’s February 25 visit to the United Center to face the Blackhawks on his calendar, though.

“I think there’s gonna be a pretty special night in Chicago,” Kane said. “I think it’s late February there when (Chris) Chelios’ jersey is going up (to the rafters in retirement). I’ll be playing against the Blackhawks that game.”

The post Red Wings Kane: Detroit Was in my Heart appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Patrick Kane can’t wait to wear the Detroit Red Wings jersey for real.

“I think it’s such a beautiful jersey,” Kane said.

Christmas is coming and so is Kane’s first game in that Red Wings jersey. It seems a pretty safe bet that the latter will be arriving prior to the former.

Coming soon. pic.twitter.com/0ZWxs2Bk9v

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 29, 2023

Signed to a one-year, $2.75-million contract by Detroit on Tuesday, Kane was skating with the team for first time during the morning skate prior to Wednesday’s 3-2 road loss to the New York Rangers. He won’t be playing against his original club the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at Little Caesars Arena. However, as Kane completes his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery, the first game-day test of that surgical repair is nearer than you might think.

“I would say that’s sooner than later,” Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said, projecting the timeline for Kane’s debut. “Is it seven days? Is it 4 days? I’m not really sure.

“I don’t think it’s much beyond any of that, though.”

Kane’s Red Wings Debut Could Come At Buffalo

Oddly enough, Detroit’s first two games after signing Kane are facing his two former teams, the Rangers and the Blackhawks.

“I’d like to play tonight but that wouldn’t be too smart,” Kane said. “You have New York and Chicago on the schedule. It would’ve been nice to play those games.”

Instead, he’s discussing a plan of attack with the Detroit braintrust that could see Kane playing his first Red Wings game with his familiar No. 88 on his back perhaps in his hometown. The Red Wings begin a road trip Saturday in Montreal. Then on Tuesday, Detroit is at Buffalo, where Kane was born and raised.

Patrick Kane stopped by to discuss his decision to sign with Detroit and his injury progress pic.twitter.com/WIJkvBNbs6

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) November 30, 2023

That’s followed by home dates facing San Jose (Dec. 7) and Ottawa (Dec. 9). If he doesn’t play in Buffalo,  it’s almost certainly going to be one of those two games.

“I think the plan was a week to 10 days, so I guess that would be maybe the Buffalo game would be the earliest, or maybe San Jose or Ottawa,” Kane said. “We’ll take it day to day.”

The post Yzerman: Kane Will Play First Red Wings Game Sooner Than Later appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Very few people seem to know what caused the Chicago Blackhawks to waive Corey Perry for the purpose of terminating his contract. People who do know are not talking.

What we know is that somebody made up an ugly rumor about what Perry did. The Blackhawks said it is false, simply by saying  the situation “does not involve any (other) players or their families.”  The Blackhawks said the rumor was “disgusting.” Detroit Hockey Now will not repeat the rumor.

Here’s what the Blackhawks did say about Perry: “After an internal investigation, the Chicago Blackhawks have determined that Corey Perry has engaged in conduct that is unacceptable, and in violation both of the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments. As such, Corey Perry has been placed on unconditional waivers. In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effective immediately.”

Nate Brown of Chicago Hockey Now talked to Perry’s former teammate Nick Foligno after Chicago’s 4-3 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Foligno used the word “stunned” to describe player reaction.

“It’s not a normal day and it’s not easy on any of us,” Foligno said. “It’s a hard day. But I’m really proud of the guys for channeling–you can’t control some things, right? That’s what we had to understand. A lot of that is out of our control–we don’t even know what’s going on–we don’t have all the details. We came here to work and get a job done. It shows growth and shows maturity.”

We have not heard the last of this story. Not even close. Perry has the right to appeal. At some point, the story will leak out.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Per NHL tradition, Daniel Sprong is allowing Patrick Kane to have his No. 88. That often occurs when a “name” player with an established number is traded.  Usually the star reciprocates with a token payment or gift. Sprong made it clear he didn’t want anything. He said the number is Kane’s “trademark.”
• Captain Dylan Larkin won’t play for the Red Wings tonight against the New York Rangers. Defenseman Justin Holl is also iffy.
• Bob Duff writes what it means for Kane and Alex DeBrincat to be reunited.
• The Red Wings’ decision to sign Patrick Kane shows management has faith in this team.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings play the New York Rangers at Madison Square tonight at 7:30. (TNT) Jonatan Berggren was recalled from the Grand Rapids to take Larkin’s spot in the lineup. Berggren has 11 points in 11 games for the Griffins. The Red Wings lost 5-3 to the Rangers at MSG on Nov. 7.

Detroit Hockey Now

Boston: Jimmy Murphy writes that the slumping Boston Bruins are looking for a defenseman in the NHL trade market.

Calgary: Trevor Neufeld of Calgary Hockey Now offers a trade needs round-up for all of the teams in the Pacific Division. Calgary Flames. 

Florida: The Florida Panthers lost a point against Toronto after a bizarre ending to a shootout. They lost after they thought the game was over.

Montreal: Carey Price is serving as a mentor for the stars of tomorrow. Montreal Canadiens.

Pittsburgh: There was plenty of outrage in the Pittsburgh Penguins dressing room because of a non-call in overtime. The Penguins lost 3-2 in OT to Nashville.

The post The Daily: Corey Perry Mystery Deepens; Pacific Division Trade Talk appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Detroit Red Wings forward Daniel Sprong could probably come up with 88 reasons to cede his number to new teammate Patrick Kane. However, he offered just one reason and it’s hard to argue with the validity.

“It’s Patrick Kane, so he can have 88,” Sprong said. “I’ll switch, that’s for sure.

“He made that number a trademark. It’s definitely his.”

IT’S SHOWTIME, HOCKEYTOWN!

Join the fun » https://t.co/UFVZjhZ1MU pic.twitter.com/w6DOsgzE2s

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 29, 2023

When the Red Wings were officially announcing the signing of Kane to a one-year, $2.75-million contract late Monday, they were also including a photo in the post of Kane in a Red Wings No. 88 jersey.

“I have no problem with switching,” Sprong said. “That’s his number. He’s been in the league for a long time. He’s a legend in the game and a superstar. No problem, he can have it.”

Kane has worn No. 88 his entire NHL career – all 16 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and for the remainder of last season after the Blackhawks were trading him to the New York Rangers.

Will Kane Pay Sprong For Number?

Often in pro sports, when a new player desires a number that’s already being worn by a current player on the team, there will be some sort of financial remuneraation changing hands as part of the jersey swap. In this instance, Sprong doesn’t know if that will be the case.

“I don’t know,” Sprong said. “I’ll let him decide. That’s his number. I have no problem giving it him. We’ll see what he does.”

Daniel Sprong to Patrick Kane:pic.twitter.com/IFtO8Tmwg6

— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) November 28, 2023

As for his own plans, Sprong does have a new number that he’s picking out to don. He just isn’t saying what number that will be.

“Yeah, I have an idea, so we’ll see what happens,” Sprong said.

He wore No. 10 in Washington, but that’s retired in Detroit for longtime captain Alex Delvecchio. And it’s unlikely that he will be choosing No. 91, which he wore with the Seattle Kraken. Sergei Fedorov made those digits famous in Detroit.

Mostly, though, like all of the other Red Wings, Sprong is simply happy to be able to call future Hall of Famer Kane a teammate.

“It’s pretty cool,” Sprong said. “I remember watching him. He’s an unbelievable player, an unbelievable career. We’re excited to have him.”

The post Red Wings Sprong Cedes No. 88 to Kane appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.