Watch: Blackhawks fans welcome back Kane in return to Chicago

Detroit Red Wings right winger Patrick Kane. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Blackhawks fans welcome back Patrick Kane in return to Chicago

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 2/25/24

Roughly a year after playing his final game with the Chicago Blackhawks, star Patrick Kane made his first trip back to the United Center on Sunday, earning a hero's welcome from fans despite rocking a Detroit Red Wings sweater.

While the rest of his teammates received boos during warmups, the jeers quickly turned to cheers once Kane stepped on the ice.

Patrick Kane is still so loved in Chicago, even if the rest of Detroit isn’t. pic.twitter.com/2ua3VjLP7h
— Kacy Standohar (@kacystandohar) February 25, 2024

Shortly before puck drop between the Blackhawks and Red Wings, the team showed a touching tribute video in Kane's honor, featuring fans thanking the 35-year-old for everything he did for the franchise.

Heartbreaker.
Showtime.
Kaner.
88.
Thank you @88PKane ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gh0IHLNBT3
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024

Meanwhile, in a subtle passing-of-the-torch moment, Kane and budding young superstar Connor Bedard were two of the final players to leave the ice following warmups.

Patrick Kane and Connor Bedard leave the ice around the same time at the end of pregame warmups. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/ix8bjDaGe5
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) February 25, 2024

While Sunday's game marked Kane's return to Chicago, it also happened to be the date chosen to retire former star defenseman Chris Chelios' No. 7.

On Chelios' day, the Hall of Famer used the time to bestow a massive honor on Kane, saying he'd go down as the "greatest American-born player" ever.

Kane is currently second all-time among U.S.-born players with 1,263 points, trailing only former Dallas Stars great Mike Modano (1,374).

"Patrick Kane will go down as the greatest American-born player... Just don't go stealing my thunder today"

Chelios ignites a massive standing ovation for Patrick Kane at the United Center pic.twitter.com/HsJPP5TPhz
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) February 25, 2024

The first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Blackhawks, Kane blossomed into arguably one of the best players in the franchise's history.

Over parts of 16 seasons in Chicago, Kane was a nine-time All-Star and won three Stanley Cups while earning several individual honors, including the Calder Trophy (2008), Conn Smythe (2013), Hart Trophy (2016) and Ted Lindsay Award (2016).

Meanwhile, among the Blackhawks' all-time leaders, he ranks second in points (1,255) and assists (779) and third in goals (446) and games played (1,161).

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