Patrick Kane’s time in Chicago has come to an end. On Tuesday, the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Rangers finalized a deal to send Kane to New York. The Rangers are sending two draft picks to Chicago, a 2023 second-round pick and a 2025 fourth-rounder. 

This was an inevitable trade. The Blackhawks are one of the worst teams in the NHL and to rebuild we needed to let go of Kane. However, this is just the beginning of a long process for Chicago. 

Patrick Kane is one of the most accomplished players in the NHL. Kane played a crucial role in the Chicago Blackhawks dynasty playing in over 1000 games with the team. 

Kane has led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup Championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2013 playoffs and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player in 2016. Kane’s accomplishments also include eleven all-star appearances, Olympic medals, and an NHL rookie of the year in 2008. 

This is a tough situation, not only as a Blackhawks fan but also as a Patrick Kane fan. Honestly, it’s one of those examples where you hate to see them go but love to watch them leave. 

Kane is going to be reunited with former teammate Artemi Panarin. Penarin started his career with the Hawks in the 2015 season, the same year as Patrick Kane’s 26-game point streak.

The two of them quickly proved to be a dynamic duo, leaving hockey fans all over North America excited to see if Kane and Panarin can pick up where they left off back in 2017. 

Yesterday, Kane spoke with the Rangers press for the first time since the trade. When asked about his first game with the Rangers Kane said, “I’m definitely a little nervous, probably more nervous than I’ve been for a regular season game in a long time, but I think that’s good. I’m pretty excited about it.”  

The Rangers lost this game to Ottawa 5-3. Kane was -2 on the night but had four shots. 

For Chicago fans this is hard; Patrick Kane is all we’ve ever known. Watching him wear a different uniform will be difficult, but as a hockey fan, part of you has to be excited to see what he can do with the Rangers.