Patrick Kane Gets Brutally Honest About His Declining Play in a Post-Game Interview

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Aaron Itovitch
December 27, 2022 (10:26)

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Patrick Kane's time in Chicago is quickly coming to an end. It's essentially impossible that he is still wearing a Blackhawks uniform come the March 3rd deadline, as he will join a new team in hopes of lifting his fourth Stanley Cup.

However, the superstar calibre attached to his name may be fading away. In the midst of trade rumours, Kane has actually been significantly underperforming recently.

With only 5 goals in 32 games this season, the so-called sniper isn't lighting the lamp all too often. Combined with 20 assists for 25 points in 32 games, Kane is only on a 64 point pace for this season.

While a 13-goal, 64-point player is incredibly valuable, the premium expected to acquire Kane may not be worth it.

In a post-game interview, Kane got brutally honest about his declining play:

Kane described his goal and point totals as «unacceptable» on Friday morning. He did express some hope, though.

»The last 10 to 15 games, I'm finding my game a little bit more», Kane said.

«It's just the production is low. That's probably one of the main reasons the team has been in the situation we're in. If I could find a way to start producing (at) a normal rate, that's going to help the team take off.

Hopefully, it'll start tonight, get off to a good feeling before (the) break and then take that in feeling good, and then come out with a little bit of energy, as well. I feel like it's coming, just have to stay with it and stop hoping it's going to come and make it happen.»

Kane is accustomed to 30-goal seasons at the minimum, while always hovering over a point-per-game. He knows how important his production is for his team, and when he can't produce, the team struggles.

His centerman, Max Domi equally spoke out on Kane's totals, as well as the overall performance of his team:

I gotta agree with Kaner, what, 8,9, 10 scoring chances we had and couldn't put one through? It's tough.

At this point, the foundational assets the Blackhawks were supposed to acquire in a trade for Kane may not be that amazing at all. Even at half-retained, Kane will cost $5.25-million against the cap. There are more opportunistic acquisitions around the same price point, and a team could choose not to go for the big name come deadline time.

It will be an interesting story to follow.

Source: Hawks Insider