Red Wings' Patrick Kane Open to Returning After Playoff Miss

Veteran forward says he'd 'love to be part of the solution' in Detroit despite third straight late-season collapse.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:26am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy of a hockey game, with players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, red, and gray, conveying the tension and disappointment of the Red Wings' failed playoff push.An abstract, cubist interpretation of a tense late-season hockey match captures the Red Wings' frustrating collapse and Patrick Kane's uncertain future in Detroit.Today in Detroit

Patrick Kane, the veteran forward for the Detroit Red Wings, expressed openness to returning to the team next season despite the Red Wings missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Kane, who recorded his second straight 55-point season, said there is 'mutual interest' for him to continue his career in Detroit, where he has enjoyed playing and living with his family. However, the 34-year-old noted he will take time to discuss his future with his agent and family before making a decision.

Why it matters

The Red Wings' failure to make the playoffs for the third year in a row has increased pressure on the organization to turn the corner on its rebuild. Kane's future could be an indicator of the team's direction, as the future Hall of Famer is one of Detroit's most valuable assets and his return could signal the Red Wings' commitment to competing next season.

The details

On January 25th, the Red Wings were first in the Eastern Conference. However, they slumped hard coming out of the NHL's Olympic break. A trade deadline day deal for defenseman Justin Faulk provided some added depth, but the Red Wings still missed the playoffs by seven points. This marks the third consecutive season the Red Wings have collapsed late and failed to reach the postseason, a streak that dates back to 2024.

  • On January 25th, the Red Wings were first in the Eastern Conference.
  • The Red Wings missed the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The players

Patrick Kane

A veteran forward for the Detroit Red Wings who recorded his second straight 55-point season and is open to returning to the team next season despite their third consecutive playoff miss.

Justin Faulk

A defenseman acquired by the Red Wings at the trade deadline in an effort to bolster their roster and make the playoffs, but the team still fell short.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'I think there is mutual interest for me to come back and continue my career here. It's been a great spot for me, my family and my son, and I've definitely enjoyed my time here. But there's no rush — I'll talk things over with my agent and my family, and we'll see how everything plays out.'”

— Patrick Kane, Red Wings forward

“'I'd love to be part of the solution that gets this team over the hump. We have a good team here, and we can win. I think this team is better than some teams that are in the playoffs.'”

— Patrick Kane, Red Wings forward

What’s next

The Red Wings face a critical offseason ahead as they look to end their three-year playoff drought. How the team approaches Kane's future could be an indicator of the direction they plan to take in the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Patrick Kane's openness to returning to the Red Wings despite the team's recent struggles signals his belief that the roster can compete at a high level. However, the Red Wings must find a way to avoid the late-season collapses that have plagued them the past three years in order to get back to the playoffs and justify Kane's faith in the team.