Kane thrived after Detroit replaced coach Derek Lalonde with Todd McLellan on Dec. 26, producing 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in his last 43 games. The Red Wings played a more aggressive style, and the power play heated up, playing to his strengths.<\/p>\n
In the offseason, he was able to train more athletically instead of rehabbing the hip he had surgically repaired June 1, 2023. He should be in a good situation under McLellan from the beginning this season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s really no excuse for me not to have a good start,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Kane is eight goals from 500 in the NHL and 32 points from passing Mike Modano<\/a> for the most in the NHL among players born in the United States. He commands respect at this orientation camp, especially from young players who grew up idolizing him.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all wanted to be Patrick Kane,\u201d said center Dylan Larkin<\/a>, now a Detroit teammate.<\/p>\n Utah Mammoth forward Clayton Keller<\/a> called Kane \u201cthe GOAT.\u201d Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor<\/a> and Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones<\/a> each used the word \u201caura.\u201d<\/p>\n Kane enjoys being a mentor and loves talking hockey.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m kind of at the point in my career where it\u2019s fun to come to these events and talk to younger guys and learn from younger players,\u201d Kane said. \u201cThis morning, we\u2019re on the ice with 30 of the best players in the world. It\u2019s cool to be out there with them and kind of see what guys are doing and how they\u2019re training, talk to them about certain things.\u201d<\/p>\n The thing is, Kane is still one of the best players in the world.<\/p>\n \u201cThey call him Showtime for a reason,\u201d Connor said. \u201cHe shows up for the biggest games and seems to elevate. That\u2019s what you want from a go-to player. He seems to step up in those moments. He still does it, even after injuries and Father Time, being a little bit older.\u201d<\/p>\n Jones said Kane is still one of the top one or two players teams identify before playing Detroit.<\/p>\n