The return of a legend hit a sudden snag on Monday night. Patrick Kane left the ice during the second period against Colorado and never came back. The Chicago Blackhawks confirmed he will sit out the next couple of games due to an upper-body injury. This loss comes right after a 5-2 defeat to the Avalanche, a result that already stung the home crowd.
Head coach Jeff Blashill spoke clearly about the situation after the game. According to his statement, an upper-body injury has sidelined Kane for a minimum of two upcoming matches. The exact cause of the hurt remains unclear to the public. Before retreating to the locker room, Kane appeared to struggle physically, suggesting an underlying issue. His absence creates a gap in the lineup.
A Heavy Loss for the Lineup
The numbers show just how vital Kane is to this squad right now. At 37 years old, he has recorded one goal and eight assists for nine points in 14 games this season. Daily Faceoff reports he now shares the team’s top scoring spot with center Connor Bedard. The team will be without the player who shares the top spot with the franchise’s young star, a playmaker who creates scoring chances.
Blashill noted the team must adjust without their veteran leader. The exact timeline for his return depends on how his body heals over the next few days. Fans saw him struggle near the end of the second period before the medical staff stepped in. The team released a brief statement confirming he will not return to the game on Monday, Nov. 2. This uncertainty hangs over the locker room as they prepare for their next opponent.
History on the Line
Kane’s journey back to Chicago was meant to be a celebration of his past glory. He signed a two-year, $16 million contract as an unrestricted free agent this past offseason. Prior to this, he played the preceding three seasons alongside the Detroit Red Wings. His legacy in Chicago is untouchable, having played his first 15-plus NHL seasons there. He won three Stanley Cups and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2013. His Hart Trophy win in 2016 proved he was the best player in the league during the regular season.
He now sits second only to Stan Mikita on the Blackhawks’ historical scoring chart. Being named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017 shows his standing in the sport. In 67 contests during the previous season, Kane recorded 16 goals and 41 assists totaling 57 points. Those stats prove he can still produce at a high level despite his age. Now, the team faces a test without its most experienced scorer.
RotoWire reports that Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times confirmed the injury details as well.
