Patrick Kane is staying in Detroit, signing a new one-year deal worth $3 million with the Red Wings. But that’s just the base salary – he could earn a lot more.
The 35-year-old star can rack up an extra $3.75 million in bonuses, including $2.5 million just for playing 10 games.
It’s a slight pay cut from his $4 million base salary last year, but Kane’s not complaining. He’s found a home in Detroit since joining the team early in the 2023-24 season.
"We definitely want Patrick back," Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said during end-of-season meetings. The feeling was mutual.
And why wouldn’t it be? Kane’s been lighting it up in the Motor City, scoring 41 goals and adding 65 assists in 122 games while wearing the Winged Wheel.
What’s really impressive is how well he’s bounced back from hip surgery. The same procedure recently ended Nicklas Bäckström’s career, but Kane’s comeback has been nothing short of remarkable.
He’s still got the speed, too. NHL tracking data shows he’s almost as quick as before the surgery – dropping only slightly from the 81st to 76th percentile in high-speed bursts.
Here’s what Kane can earn in bonuses this season:
• $2.5M for playing 10 games
• $250K for hitting 30 games
• $250K at 50 games
• $500K if the Wings make the playoffs
• $250K for each playoff round win (first two rounds)
The deal makes sense for both sides. Detroit gets a proven scorer who’s shown he can still produce, while Kane gets a chance to prove he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Max Bultman of The Athletic first reported the deal was close to being finalized.
