Patrick Kane opens Chicago Blackhawks training camp as alternate captain, ahead of Sept. 29 season opener

Patrick Kane opened Chicago Blackhawks training camp this week with the franchise naming him an alternate captain. Kane, who signed a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million average annual value) on July 23, begins his 20th NHL season and his second tenure with the Blackhawks after previously serving as a central figure for the organization from 2007-23, when Chicago won the Stanley Cup three times (2010, 2013, 2015). In the NHL’s reporting, Kane said he feels there is “a lot left on the table and a lot left to accomplish,” and he added that the decision to sign with the team has felt right given recent interactions with the group “on and off the ice.”

The Blackhawks also announced Connor Bedard as team captain on Tuesday, the same day Kane was named an alternate captain. Bedard spoke at a Tuesday press conference, saying the leadership goals the team shares are informed by what Kane has done, and calling Kane “one of the best players in the League.” Kane will work closely with a young core that includes forwards Bedard, Roman Kantserov, Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell, as well as defensemen Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel.

According to the NHL, Bedard is expected back in November after left-shoulder surgery for an injury sustained during offseason training in July. At the start of camp, Kane skated with Nazar and Kantserov, who is expected to make his NHL debut this season. The Blackhawks open their season against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29, as noted in the NHL’s report.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk