Blackhawks star Connor Bedard is publicly recruiting Patrick Kane to return to Chicago. Bedard, who recently signed a $75 million, 5-year contract extension, expressed his desire for Kane to rejoin the team he spent 16 seasons with, helping them win three Stanley Cups.

Kane, now an unrestricted free agent, previously played for the New York Rangers and most recently the Detroit Red Wings, where he recorded 16 goals and 41 assists in the 2025-26 season. Bedard believes Kane's return would significantly boost the Blackhawks' offense, which ranked 30th last season, and create an electric atmosphere at the United Center.

Bedard, who is recovering from shoulder surgery with an expected four-month timeline, hopes to return sooner. He also confirmed his contract talks with the Blackhawks were smooth and unaffected by other player contracts, stating Chicago is the only place he wants to play.