Patrick Kane's arrival in Detroit generated considerable excitement, and after a season and a half with the Red Wings, the question remains: Can he still be the game-changer the team needs? At 36 years old, Kane is proving that age doesn't necessarily diminish an athlete's desire or ability to contribute meaningfully.

Kane's performance in the 2024-25 season demonstrated he still has something to offer. He played 72 games, scoring 21 goals and 38 assists for a total of 59 points. This placed him fourth on the team in both goals and points. Kane's presence significantly boosted Detroit's power play, which became one of the league's most potent. His 29 power-play points were second-highest on the team, highlighting his continued ability to create scoring opportunities with the man advantage.

General Manager Steve Yzerman acknowledged Kane's positive impact, describing him as a "very professional guy" with a valuable approach and attitude. Kane himself feels he has more to give. He believes the team was on a "pretty good pace" after the coaching change to Todd McLellan, and that the team's more aggressive style of play helped him improve his production. From December 29 to April 17, Kane recorded 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in 42 games.

Beyond his contributions to the Red Wings, Kane has his sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics. Winning a gold medal in a "best-on-best" tournament is the one major accomplishment that has eluded him. He aims to earn his spot on the U.S. Olympic team based on his current abilities, not past achievements. He recognizes that the competition for roster spots is fierce, especially with the emergence of young American talent.

Kane is also approaching major milestones in his NHL career. He is just eight goals away from 500 and 32 points from surpassing Mike Modano as the highest-scoring American-born player in NHL history. These milestones provide additional motivation for Kane as he continues his career with the Red Wings.

Looking ahead, Kane's role with the Red Wings will likely continue to be a top-six forward, contributing on the power play and providing veteran leadership. He recently signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the team. With a full training camp and a season under McLellan, Kane is in a good position to build on his previous performance.

Ultimately, whether Patrick Kane can be a game-changer for the Red Wings depends on several factors. His health, his ability to maintain his scoring pace, and the continued development of the team's younger players will all play a role. However, his performance in the 2024-25 season, his drive to improve, and his leadership qualities suggest that he can still be a significant asset for the Red Wings as they strive to return to playoff contention.