Red Wings Review: Goal-Starved Offense Needs Kane

“Five on five, he and Cat (were) by far two leaders in that category,” McLellan said. “And we are obviously short in that kind of scoring.”

In March, when the Red Wings were collapsing, Kane registered 14 points in 13 games. The connection Kane has with DeBrincat seems otherworldly.

“They find each other so well, similar to when they played in Chicago,” Detroit captain Dylan Larkin said. “It’s impressive. Those guys drive offense.”

Present

Patrick Kane is not as dominant as he once was. As a small, aging player, he has had difficulty staying healthy. He has missed 57 games (23.1% of the Red Wings games) in three seasons in Detroit.

But the offensive instincts are still there, and his ability to carry the puck into the offensive zone is vital. No one on the roster controls the puck more effectively at even-strength and on the power play. The consistency is there: He has 57 goals over three seasons.

With 57 points in 67 games last season, he registered two fewer points in five fewer games than in the previous season.

Future

Patrick Kane has said there’s mutual interest in him re-signing with Detroit, although we are assuming he will have questions about what the roster will look like. Undoubtedly, the three-time Stanley Cup champion is weary of missing the playoffs.

He is going to want to know if the team can add more offense. Are the Red Wings going to be able to find more goals

“I’d love to be part of the solution that helps us get over the hump for sure,” Kane said. “(There’s) interest to come back, continue my career here. It’s been a great spot for me, my family, my son. It’s. It’s been a great spot to continue my career. I’ve definitely enjoyed my time here.”

Frankly, the Red Wings very much need to re-sign Kane. Even if they re-sign Kane, they would like to add two forwards to play in their top six. Given the weak UFA market, that mission will be hard enough. If they can’t get Kane back, it will be next to impossible.

Kane doesn’t fit into the team’s new mandate to be harder to play against. But the Red Wings will be looking at others to do that heavy lifting. All the Red Wings desire from Kane is for him to deliver 50-plus points for another season. They can’t live without his points. Given how well he fits in the Detroit dressing room and his comfort level with the city, we believe Kane will re-sign with Detroit.

Next contract projection: $4 million base pay and $3.5 million in performance bonuses on a one-year contract.

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