Chicago woke up early on Friday to celebrate a local icon. On August 8, city officially declared “Patrick Kane Day,” honoring the man who wore No. 88 and turned the Blackhawks into a contender and then a champion. Kane is a Buffalo native. He may no longer be a Blackhawk contractually. Nevertheless, he’ll forever be identified with the Windy City.
Kane started the day on the ice with youth hockey players—sharing moves, smiles, and the love for the game. In the afternoon, he signed autographs and answered questions live on‑stage.
He even dropped by the Blackhawks Breakaway Podcast, reflecting on the day’s events and sharing his thoughts about the team. He highlighted Frank Nazar, a young forward he’s been skating with this summer, saying the kid reminded him of a younger version of himself .
Why honoring the ex-Hawk matters
Kane wasn’t just good—he built a dynasty.
• Drafted 1st overall in 2007, he made an immediate mark.
• Rookie of the Year, three Stanley Cups in six years with Chicago.
• Conn Smythe, Hart, Art Ross, Pearson — he checked all the top awards .
• He’s not the top scorer in every Hawks category—that crown still belongs to Stan Mikita—but Kane ranks right up there among the franchise’s best.
Kane’s Legacy: Locker Room Poetry
His story echoes Denis Savard’s leave, then homecoming. If Kane finishes his career in a Blackhawks uniform, with Connor Bedard by his side, it’d be storybook stuff.
Plus, no one will ever wear 88 again. One day that number will be hanging up in retirement, with Kane joining just nine others in the rafters of the United Center . .
Milesones still On tap for Kane
Even now with Detroit, Kane’s chasing milestones to add to his career accomplishments:
• Just 8 goals away from 500 career NHL goals.
• About 57 points shy of 1,400 career points.
• Last season: 21 goals and 59 points—still performing like a vet .
Bottom line? Patrick Kane Day wasn’t about politics or puff—it was a straight-up salute. City, fans, and hockey all tipping the hat to a guy who made the Hawks soar. And this? It’s just one of many events planned for the Blackhawks’ Centennial Season.
