The NHL’s 500-goal club finally has its 50th member.

Patrick Kane scored twice Thursday in the Red Wings’ 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks, becoming the fifth American-born player to score 500 NHL goals on Thursday night in his 1332nd career game.

The goal certainly had its share of anticipation. Kane had scored No. 497 over a month ago, on Dec. 6 in Seattle, and 498 a week later in Chicago. A mid-December injury took him out of action and prolonged the chase. When his third-period empty netter finally secured the milestone, the Red Wings’ bench emptied in celebration.

“Just kind of relieved to get it over with, to be honest with you,” Kane said with a laugh afterward. “But it’s a still a really cool feeling.”

🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬 pic.twitter.com/8nMfG1qnJH

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 9, 2026

Over a 19-year NHL career, Kane has scored 446 goals for the Chicago Blackhawks, five for the New York Rangers, and 48 and counting for the Red Wings.

Kane is the 50th player in NHL history to reach the 500-goal mark, tying Lanny McDonald. Among active players, Kane trails only Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Evgeni Malkin and John Tavares.

The two goals also pushed Kane up to 28th in career NHL points, tying Johnny Bucyk with 1,369. Kane is now only six points from passing Mike Modano to become the NHL’s all-time leading scorer among American-born players.

Shirts the Red Wings are wearing for Kane’s 500th pic.twitter.com/x0E7gj62TI

— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) January 9, 2026

Kane has eight goals and 26 points in 30 games this season for the Red Wings as part of a remarkable comeback from hip resurfacing surgery two years ago.

“I think I was in a spot where I didn’t know if I was going to play again,” Kane said of the surgery on Thursday. “Obviously, I had a lot of desire and determination to do everything right that I could, and come back and feel good. So, I’m in a spot where I feel really good physically, and just trying to get better with my all-around game and the way I’m playing right now. I still feel like there’s another level, but hopefully this will take a little pressure off and kind of start playing the way I know I can.”

Detroit signed Kane after the surgery in November of 2023, and he has quickly become a key piece of the Red Wings on the ice and in the locker room. He’s a key piece of the power play and has been one of their leading scorers in all three seasons.

“He’s just a guy that brings everyone into the fight, and plays hard (and) has a great work ethic,” Kane’s linemate and longtime teammate Alex DeBrincat said. “Definitely deserves it all.”