Patrick Kane will be absent from the Detroit Red Wings' upcoming road trip, adding to concerns that his upper-body injury might be more significant than initially assessed. The Red Wings are scheduled to face the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday and the New York Islanders on Thursday.
Kane sustained the injury during the Red Wings' 2-1 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning last Friday. The 36-year-old forward collided with the boards late in the game. He was seen clutching his left side after the collision. Kane did participate in a single shift during overtime of that game. He subsequently missed Sunday's game against the Edmonton Oilers, which the Red Wings won 4-2.
Head coach Todd McLellan addressed the media on Tuesday, confirming that Kane would not accompany the team on their two-game road trip. McLellan indicated that Kane will be re-evaluated before Saturday's home game against the St. Louis Blues. While Kane did skate on Tuesday, he did not participate in practice. "Patrick won't make this trip,” McLellan stated, “He did skate today, which was a good sign. We'll evaluate him when we get back for the Saturday game".
There is growing speculation that Kane's injury could be more serious than the team is letting on. The Grind Line Podcast suggested the injury might be worse than initially believed. The Red Wings are proceeding cautiously, considering Kane's injury history and the long season ahead.
Kane's absence is a blow to the Red Wings, who have started the season strong with a 5-1 record. Before the injury, Kane had been productive, scoring two goals and three assists in five games. Rookie Michael Brandsegg-Nygård has been filling Kane's spot on the second line, playing alongside Marco Kasper and Alex DeBrincat.
Kane re-signed with the Red Wings in June on a one-year, $3 million contract. He is approaching a significant career milestone, needing just six more goals to reach 500. Kane also trails Brett Hull by 43 points for the most points all-time by an American-born player.
The Red Wings face a demanding schedule with seven of their next eight games on the road. In addition to Kane, Lucas Raymond recently missed two games due to an upper-body injury. Top prospect Nate Danielson is also currently sidelined with an injury sustained during the preseason.
