Patrick Kane has ascended to the pinnacle of scoring for U.S.-born players in NHL history.
On Thursday night, Kane surpassed Mike Modano by achieving his 1,375th career point with an assist during the Detroit Red Wings’ matchup against the Washington Capitals. Kane reached this milestone shortly after turning 37, while Modano was 40 when he tallied his own 1,374th point with a goal.
“When you think of USA Hockey, Patrick Kane is often the first name that springs to mind,” remarked fellow American player Jack Eichel. “He’s a remarkable ambassador for USA Hockey and serves as a role model for many American players who followed, myself included.”
Since being selected first overall in the 2007 draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, Kane has been a prominent figure in American hockey. He played a crucial role in leading the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup victories between 2010 and 2015, marking one of the most successful eras since the NHL introduced a salary cap in 2005.
Charlie McAvoy, a U.S.-born defenseman, reminisced about watching Kane during those championship runs, noting how Kane executed plays that were unprecedented at the time.
“His style of play has become a benchmark, and back then, it was revolutionary,” McAvoy commented. “Kane transformed the game of hockey. He’s an absolute legend, and it’s fantastic that he hails from the U.S.”
Earlier this month, Kane became the 50th player and fifth American to score 500 goals, following Keith Tkachuk, Jeremy Roenick and Joe Mullen. Brett Hull, a dual citizen who was born in Canada and played internationally for the U.S., had 741 goals and 1,391 points.
“He’s well on his way to being the best USA player of all time,” countryman Jack Hughes said.
Kane won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in ’07-08, the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2013 and the Hart Trophy as regular-season MVP in 2015-16, when he also led the league in scoring.
“Such an iconic player, just played with such passion,” said Tage Thompson, who’s a first-time U.S. Olympian this year. “Very enthusiastic, loved scoring goals, loved making plays.”
Kane’s slick hands more than made up for him being on the smaller side at 5-foot-10 and under 180 pounds.
“He’s maybe got the best highlight reel of all time,” Hughes said. “Just as a kid, you watch all of his videos and everything, and you’re like, that’s the guy you want to be just because of how skilled he is.”
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