The NHL season is very close to kicking off and as a result, teams are starting to put their full lineups together in practice. Today the Red Wings did this but were missing an important piece as forward Patrick Kane was not on the ice for practice causing speculation about his absence.
According to line rushes from earlier in training camp Patrick Kane was expected to play on a line with J.T. Compher and Vladimir Tarasenko. Instead, that role went to Jonathan Berggren for today's practice.
With just a couple of preseason games left for each team time is running out to build chemistry on the ice. As of now, there has not been an update on Patrick Kane. There is a possibility that this was just a rest day for the veteran. It is also possible he is dealing with a potential injury the truth is unknown as of now.
As the season gets underway the Detroit Red Wings will have to find a way to get Patrick Kane playing at his highest level once he is back in the lineup. One solution could be reuniting him with a familiar face.
With a new line formed including J.T. Compher, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Jonathan Berggren Patrick Kane could need a new home on a new line. One option is to put him alongside his former teammate and linemate Alex DeBrincat.
The two were paired together at points last year with the Red Wings and of course worked magic in Chicago. Alex DeBrincat's best year as a pro came in 2021-22 on a line with Patrick Kane. Alex DeBrincat tallied 78 points and 41 goals while Patrick Kane had 26 goals and 92 total points.
If the line Patrick Kane was previously on finds success in his absence then a reunion of him with Alex DeBrincat makes the most sense of anything. As the preseason continues and the Red Wings take the ice again we will learn more about Patrick Kane's status and his potential return to the lineup.
POLL | ||
Will Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat end up on a line together this season with the Detroit Red Wings? | ||
Yes | 51 | 81 % |
No | 12 | 19 % |
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