“With the first pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks select… Patrick Kane: from the London Knights of the OHL.”

When the Hawks picked Kaner, they finally saw some hope for their beloved franchise. When Kane was drafted, Chicago had been one of the worst teams in the NHL for the better part of the 2000s, and the entire world of hockey knew that he was going to be one of the best goal scorers to ever play the game. He showed his skill right away, winning the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year) for that 2007-08 season. 

Patrick spent 16 years here in Chicago, and over those years, he became one of the best players in the NHL, helping lead the Hawks to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. In 2010, Kane scored the Stanley Cup winning goal in overtime of game six against the Philadelphia Flyers, starting the Blackhawks dynasty in the 2010s. During his time in Chicago, Kane also won a Hart Trophy (MVP) in 2015-16, a Conn Smythe Trophy (playoffs MVP) in 2013, an Art Ross Trophy in 2015-16 (leading point getter in regular season), and a Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player) in 2015-16.

In my opinion, Patrick Kane is the greatest American-born player of all time, and the greatest puck handler of all time. Whenever Kaner had the puck in his hands, you made sure to pay close attention, as watching Kaner was like watching the circus. You were too afraid to look away, at risk of missing something spectacular.

On February 27th, 2023, Kaner was traded to the Rangers. It was the right move for the Blackhawks, as they’re in a rebuild, but it didn’t ease the pain of this news any less. Patrick Kane was a huge part of my childhood, and of many other Blackhawks fans my age. Kaner’s number, 88, will without a doubt be retired by the Blackhawks when Kane officially hangs up the skates. Patrick will more than likely also get a statue outside of the United Center, along with his best friend and Blackhawks captain during those Stanley Cup wins, Jonathan Toews. 

When the news broke about Kane being traded, Blackhawks fans and the city of Chicago deeply showed their appreciation. The day after the trade, outside of the United Center, the number 88 was outlined in tape, and fans from all over the city wrote their message for Kaner. 

Here at Parker, Kane’s time in Chicago was clearly appreciated as well, as there were Blackhawks jerseys everywhere. At Parker, I’ve only seen more of a single team’s jersey once, and that was when the Cubs won the World Series.

Patrick Kane will go down as the greatest Blackhawk of all time, and one of the greatest goal scorers to ever pick up a hockey stick. So, on behalf of Blackhawks fans everywhere, thank you Kaner. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the city of Chicago and for the Blackhawks organization. For the rest of time, in the Windy City, there will only be one 88.