Kane Could Return to Red Wings Against Rangers After Injury

DETROIT — Forward Patrick Kane returned to practice Thursday, and Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said the team will decide Friday whether he will play against the New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena that night. Kane has missed nine games with an upper-body injury after starting the season with five points in five games.

The Red Wings, currently at 9-5-0, are aiming to secure a playoff spot for the first time in ten seasons. Meanwhile, Kane is eager to make the U.S. roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. “What are you going to do?” said Kane, who turns 37 on Nov. 19. “I think you look at the positives from it. Thankfully, it wasn’t worse, and I’m not out an extended time. Happy that I’ve been able to progress, especially the last week or so.”

Kane is determined to compete in the Olympics, feeling a gold medal is the only missing achievement in his impressive career. A three-time Stanley Cup winner and former Hart Trophy recipient, he has also competed for Team USA in multiple international tournaments.

Following a tough start last season, Kane had a resurgence under McLellan, accumulating 45 points in his final 42 games. He suffered an injury during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 17. “It’s brutal,” Kane said regarding his time away from the ice. With six goals needed for 500 in his NHL career, Kane is eager to return to action.

While the Red Wings hoped he would join the team on their recent five-game road trip, Kane had to stay behind for rehabilitation. “Sometimes you need some time,” he explained. “After the symptoms became clearer, it was about understanding where I was at. It’s never fun to miss that much.”

Coach McLellan noted Kane’s good performance in practice and stated that a decision would be made on Friday. Meanwhile, Detroit has maintained a decent record without him, sitting just one point behind the Montreal Canadiens for first place in the Atlantic Division, with little separation in the standings.

“We have to perform well here and find ways to put points in the bank,” McLellan emphasized, highlighting the team’s need for consistency and engagement against the Rangers (6-6-2).