Kane soaks up 'emotional' homecoming with Blackhawks

CHICAGO – Patrick Kane came out of the tunnel and skated onto the ice, splitting the illuminated No. 88 set up in his honor, the crowd roaring as “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions blared from the speakers.

For the veteran forward, returning to United Center in a Chicago Blackhawks uniform was as boisterous and energetic as expected.

“It was special,” Kane said after the Blackhawks’ 4-2 win against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.

“Obviously a lot of buildup to the night. Coming out for warm ups, hearing the cheer, and then getting ready to go out for the introduction was definitely a little emotional. You're skating off the ice and it's surreal, because you didn't know if you'd have that chance to do it again, so it's pretty special.”

It was Kane’s first game at United Center since Dec. 13, 2025, when he was with the Detroit Red Wings. It was his first time here with the Blackhawks since Feb. 21, 2023, one week before he was traded to the New York Rangers.

Kane, who played here from 2007-23, had 644 points (229 goals, 415 assists) in 582 regular-season games with the Blackhawks at United Center. He’s the only Chicago player (minimum 50 games played) to average at least a point per game (1.11) at United Center since the building opened in 1994.

The No. 1 pick for the Blackhawks in the 2007 NHL Draft, he helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015. 

He signed a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million average annual value) with the Blackhawks on June 23.

Blackhawks defenseman Sam Rinzel couldn’t help but get swept up in the fervor surrounding Kane’s return.

“I was like a little kid in a candy shop. It was really cool to see, especially as an American, kind of growing up watching him,” said Rinzel, who grew up in Minnesota.

“It’s pretty special and really cool to see as kind of a younger kid. He’s been unbelievable and couldn’t happen to a better guy.”

He’s certainly a player who the younger Blackhawks can strive to become.

“I think it’s a great thing for our guys to understand. 'Kaner,' he would’ve been well thought of regardless because of the points and (all) that. But the reason he’s adored is because of how much they won,” Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “So, I think for our guys, to really soak that in and what winning does in this city is special.”

Kane wasn’t the only winner from those halcyon Blackhawks days in the building. Former forward Jonathan Toews, the Blackhawks’ captain from 2008-23 and defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson were in attendance for Kane’s return. The two were shown on the video board in the first period, with Toews getting as big of an ovation as Kane did as he held up a No. 88 jersey.

“I saw a couple of the guys this morning. Obviously always great to see ‘Tazer,’” Kane said. “It's one of those things, it's crazy how fast it goes by, right? Just thinking about being at rookie camp together and being roommates and hanging out and developing something here was so special. Now, I'm pretty much the last guy standing from that team, right? It's always good to see those guys.”

Kane is the last guy standing and he’s still playing his part in his second stint with the Blackhawks. The 37-year-old had two shots on goal, one hit and one blocked shot while logging 20:55 of ice time, third on the Blackhawks to defensemen Alex Vlasic (21:48) and Bowen Byram (21:22).

Getting that first win of the season was also a joy for Kane, although it may have been a bigger moment of happiness for his 5-year-old son, Patrick III. 

“He was really stressed out the past few days with us being 0-3,” Kane said with a laugh. “He's checking the standings and looking at everything already. He'll be happy we got a win tonight.”

Kane’s return to United Center in a Blackhawks uniform was a happy event, indeed. He was held off the score sheet but was thrilled to see the Blackhawks’ younger players, including Rinzel and forward Frank Nazar, both 22 and forward Anton Frondell, 19, score goals. They’re hoping to be part of the Blackhawks’ winning future. Kane believes they can be.

“I think it's great. These guys are going to grow up together, play together, develop chemistry on and off the ice, and I think it's really going to be a special group down the road,” Kane said.

“Right now, we want to be as good as we can. Obviously, we're striving to be better than last year, find a way to keep ourselves in every game, get better and better as the season goes on. As the years go on and these guys get more experience, I think it's going to be a pretty special group.”