Patrick Kane and the Detroit Red Wings were eerily quiet during the NHL offseason. It was definitely a choice after last season’s disappointing performance. However, it wasn’t for a lack of effort on Detroit’s part. According to reports, the organization intended to sign a star on the Florida Panthers who opted to stay in the Sunshine State.
The Red Wings have much work to do in the 2025-26 NHL season. At this point, it’s playoff-or-bust for Kane and company. However, fans in Motor City know that’s way easier said than done.
The Red Wings hope this will be the year they finally break the postseason hex. It’s about time, nine seasons have flown by and Detroit has yet to watch meaningful hockey in the spring. Kane’s arrival has failed to deliver on that promise so far. Meanwhile, down in South Florida, the Panthers are winning Stanley Cups in dominant fashion and building a modern-day dynasty along the way.
It’s not that Florida keeps winning, but it’s the fact that no one wants to move out of Sunrise, too. These are scary hours for the rest of the NHL, the Cats are brewing something and nobody wants anything to do with it. According to reports, Kane’s Red Wings hoped to snag a key piece off the Panthers, but to no avail.
Aaron Ekblad #5 of the Florida Panthers looks on during the first period against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on December 12, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.
“I know Detroit was pushing for some of the top potential UFAs this summer,” The Athletic’s insider James Mirtle stated. “Aaron Ekblad, in particular, could have signed for a much thicker average annual value in Michigan than the $6.1 million he took with Florida.”
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NHL News: Patrick Kane’s Red Wings reportedly eyeing return of homegrown star amid quiet offseason
Home discount
Ekblad was always going to be a tough fish to catch for the Red Wings in NHL free agency. The blueliner made it crystal clear he wished to stay in Sunrise—to such an extent that the former first-overall pick admitted he was willing to take a considerable pay cut to remain in town. And that he did. Ekblad could’ve signed a ludicrous deal anywhere in the league, but his desire to chase more glory in the Sunshine State outweighed the money bags.
Instead, the 29-year-old defenseman put pen to paper on an eight-year, $48.80 million extension. It made shockwaves around the league as several franchises were waiting for him to hit the market and extend a massive contract. All hopes were in vain, though. The Panthers didn’t let his deal expire before inking him for the long-haul.
Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings looks to make a play during a game, as the team strengthens its roster with key depth moves.
What could’ve been?
Kane and the Red Wings will get a quick glance at what could’ve been when Ekblad and the Panthers walk into Little Caesars Arena on October 15. Florida and Detroit will see each other very often, though. The Atlantic Division opponents will go to battle four times next season including the season-finale on April 15.