Chicago Blackhawks franchise player Connor Bedard has made it clear where he stands on Patrick Kane's free agency.
With Kane deciding between the Blackhawks and his hometown Buffalo Sabres, according to Chris Chelios, Bedard said on Monday that he hopes the franchise icon chooses a return to Chicago.
“I don't know what I can say to persuade his decision, but obviously we'd all be so excited to have a player like that, but also a guy like that,” Bedard told reporters.
The Blackhawks selected Bedard with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, under four months after Kane's tenure with the organization ended. Unless Kane returns to Chicago, it's likely the two never share the ice as teammates.
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Bedard said the chance to play alongside the three-time Stanley Cup champion would be special, both for the Blackhawks and for the city of Chicago.
“I can't imagine his first game back at (Chicago), the reaction he'd get and how much juice that would bring to not only our team but our fans as well,” Bedard said. “That would be incredible to play with him and learn from him.”
The 37-year-old remains one of the most accomplished players in franchise history after helping Chicago win Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Kane also produced 1,225 points in 1,161 regular-season games with the franchise, as well as 132 points in 136 postseason appearances in Chicago.
Bedard believes Kane would still make an immediate impact on the Blackhawks' lineup.
“Hopefully he decides to come back,” Bedard said. “You talk about the legacy aspect of it, but just as a team, he would make us a way better team. He's still an amazing player.”
Kane, who is coming off a 57-point season with the Detroit Red Wings, has yet to announce his decision after appearing in 67 games last year and spending the last three in Motown.
