What Happened
Patrick Kane will sit out the next couple of games for the Chicago Blackhawks with an upper-body injury, head coach Jeff Blashill said. Kane was hurt in Chicago's 5-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche and left midway through the second period at 14:53, finishing with 10:20 of ice time. The Blackhawks said he would not return to the game. No timeframe or official injury status has been announced.
Key Details
- Kane left at 14:53 of the second period and did not return.
- His 10:20 of ice time was second fewest on the team behind Andrew Mangiapane.
- Kane has one goal and nine points this season, with a team-leading eight assists.
- He signed a two-year deal in the summer worth $8MM annually.
- Kane recently became the first U.S.-born player to reach 900 career assists.
What It Means
Kane, Chicago's oldest player and a franchise legend, was signed to provide veteran guidance for a young roster built around Connor Bedard. His eight assists lead the team, and his 18:02 average ice time ranks third. He sits second in Blackhawks history in assists (787) and points (1,234), and third in goals (447) and games played (1,176). Any absence removes a key playmaker and mentor from the lineup.
What's Next
Kane is expected to miss at least the next two games. The Blackhawks have not set a timeline or official injury status, so his return will depend on further evaluation.