Patrick Kane and Marco Kasper made significant contributions in the Red Wings' recent 4-3 overtime loss to Tampa Bay. Kane reached his 1,400th career point with an assist, while Kasper scored his ninth goal of the season.
Sunrise, Fla. — Two forwards, at opposite ends of the age spectrum, and for different reasons, had fascinating seasons with the Red Wings.
Patrick Kane and Marco Kasper stood out for the Wings in Monday's 4-3 overtime loss in Tampa.
Kane assisted on Alex DeBrincat's game-tying goal, which was the 1,400th point of Kane's illustrious career.
Kasper cut the Tampa lead to 3-2 early in the third period with his ninth goal in a season that more often than not wasn't what Kasper or the Wings were anticipating after a 19-goal debut last season.
Two players with completely different career arcs at this juncture, but players who will be pivotal for the Wings next season.
With Kane, if he returns to the Wings. Kane, 37, will be playing somewhere in the NHL, he confirmed after Monday's game. Given his offensive production the last six weeks, his experience and deft offensive skills, Kane could be a popular unrestricted free-agent target for certain playoff contenders.
"I'll definitely be playing," Kane said. "There's more in the tank and I'm excited to see what that level can be I'll definitely be playing next year."
More: Patrick Kane's future could be key offseason topic for Red Wings
Kane has 24 points in his last 21 games and along with his longtime linemate DeBrincat, have carried the offense these final weeks of the season.
"He's certainly delivered when it comes to offense five-on-five," coach Todd McLellan said. "He and Cat are, by far, two leaders in that category and we're short when it comes to that type of scoring. But Kaner’s been real good. In a miserable month, he’s the bright spot, something to cheer about and get excited for."
It was fitting that DeBrincat, whose goal was his 41st this season, tying a career-high, was on the receiving end of Kane's nifty move on a two-on-none break, and tapping Kane's feed past goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.
When it comes to Kane and DeBrincat, it's rare you'll find that unique chemistry around the NHL.
"The friendship, the chemistry, the good thing is we're never really satisfied," Kane said of playing with DeBrincat. "I could say the same about him ever since he's come in the league. It's always fun to do it with him on my side, and for him to be part of it. He's such a great player. Incredible player, incredible kid.
"He's the definition of a winner, and he's going to find a way to win one day."
Kane has 41 assists and 57 points in 66 games, missing 15 due to two different undisclosed injuries. What appeared to make a significant impact was the two-week Olympic break, and the chance for Kane to get some rest. He also recharged for the rest of the season with some intense skates during the time off.
"You get some time off and come back, and we skated hard during those days which was real good for me and got me in good game shape," Kane said. "I was feeling OK about my game but production wasn't there and you're fighting a few things.
"But the break was good for me for sure."
Apr 13, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Marco Kasper (92) and Tampa Bay Lightning center Conor Geekie (14) battle for the puck in the first period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Kasper, 22, has enjoyed beginning his career with a player of Kane's stature in the lineup.
"It's fun, he's a great human being and that's the most important thing, and not a bad hockey player, right?" Kasper said. "It's cool to see him have that many points and goals. He's awesome, but just one of the boys."
Kasper's 2024-25 season took off when McLellan replaced Derek Lalonde in late December. Kasper got a regular spot in the lineup, playing alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, and took off. Kasper's 19 goals were fueled by a shooting percentage that hovered near 35 percent after McLellan took over, an unrealistic statistic, but the Wings felt Kasper could come close to those 19 goals again.
But it hasn't turned out that way.
"It's been kind of a frustrating year for me personally," Kasper said. "Especially not scoring much, so it's always good to build a little bit to get a goal. The chances have been there, you have to find a way to put more in the back of the net, to execute more and even create more."
A positive during Kasper's maddening season, said McLellan, was Kasper's attitude and desire to work hard and out of whatever slump was affecting Kasper.
"He wasn't pouting or sulking," McLellan said. "He didn't get lazy. He probably held on to it a bit too much. He's matured and been through the good and bad times and it should be the way he carries himself and allows him to be a better player in the future.
"It's hard, that sophomore year, to come back and really understand what is going to happen. You have to experience it and he's fought his way through and given us some good games lately. He's going to be a big part of our future."
The Wings' minor league affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins signed forward Kienan Draper to an amateur tryout for the remainder of the season and to a two-year AHL contract beginning next season.
Draper, 24, was the Wings' 2020 seventh round (187th overall) draft pick, who just finished his senior season at Michigan. Draper had five goals and 13 assists in 40 games, with a plus-21 rating.
Draper played 133 games with U-M, earning 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists).
Kienan Draper is the son of Kris Draper, the Wings' assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting, who played 20 seasons and won four Stanley Cups with the Wings.
▶ Faceoff: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Fla.
▶ TV/radio: FDSN/97.1
▶ Outlook: The Wings (41-30-10, 92 points) close out the season against Florida (39-38-4, 82 points). ... The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers have been decimated with injuries this season. ... The Panthers have won two of three games against the Wings this season. ... LW Matthew Tkachuk (32 points in 30 games) has been effective since returning to the lineup.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Red Wings get late boost from Patrick Kane, Marco Kasper
Patrick Kane reached his 1,400th career point by assisting on Alex DeBrincat's game-tying goal.
Marco Kasper has scored nine goals this season.
The Red Wings lost to Tampa Bay 4-3 in overtime.
Marco Kasper's performance this season has been less productive than his debut season, where he scored 19 goals.
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