NHL free agent forward Patrick Kane is defying all odds with his astonishing recovery from hip resurfacing surgery. Just three months after the procedure, Kane is already back on the ice, exceeding all expectations. The 34-year-old has been on the ice approximately 20 times and is on track to return to play sooner than the initial four-to-six-month projection.
“It’s just exciting to see progression and just feeling better on the ice,” Kane said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. “Kind of getting back to my old self, so it’s pretty exciting.”
Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, made the decision to undergo surgery to repair a nagging injury that had plagued him over the past year. The injury affected his performance with the Chicago Blackhawks and continued to bother him after being traded to the New York Rangers. Despite his eagerness to resume playing, Kane is determined to adhere to the six-month rehabilitation timetable.
While Kane acknowledges that he could potentially return to the game earlier than anticipated, he emphasizes the importance of taking the full time to ensure a complete recovery.
“I mean, could I come back early? Yeah, probably,” Kane explained. “But does it make sense? You know, it might be better to take the full time and just make sure I’m at 105-110% instead of just 90-95. But it’s a lot better than I was last year.”
Kane is prioritizing his long-term health and plans to consult with his doctor during an upcoming appointment to determine if he can be cleared for contact. The star forward remains committed to only returning to the ice when he is fully fit and ready to give his all.
While focusing on his recovery, Kane is patiently waiting for offers from NHL teams. With the opening of training camps just three weeks away, he anticipates receiving interest from various organizations.
“I’m staying patient while expecting to field offers once NHL teams open training camp,” Kane stated. “If someone wanted to come and give an offer that I was excited about, and a situation that I’m excited about, it’s not like I wouldn’t be listening just because of the situation I’m in.”
Kane’s production suffered last season due to his injury. He finished the year with 21 goals and 57 points in 73 games, a decline from his usual performance. However, upon joining the Rangers, his production saw an increase. In 19 regular-season games, he scored five goals and tallied 12 points. He also contributed with a goal and five assists in the seven-game, first-round series loss to the New Jersey Devils.
Patrick Kane’s impact on the game is undeniable. Hailing from Buffalo, New York, he is second only to Mike Modano in scoring among U.S.-born players, with an impressive 1,237 points. Kane played a crucial role in Chicago’s victories during the 2010, 2013, and 2015 Stanley Cup Finals and was recognized as the league MVP in 2016 when he won the Hart Trophy.
Kane is also part of a select group of players who have undergone invasive hip surgery in recent years. Joining the ranks of Washington’s Nicklas Backstrom and Carl Hagelin, Kane underwent the complex procedure which involves dislocating the upper end of the thighbone, trimming it, capping it, removing cartilage, and then repositioning it. Despite the challenges, Backstrom made an impressive return to the game, playing seven months after the surgery and finishing the season with 21 points in 39 games. Unfortunately, Hagelin was forced to announce his retirement due to an eye injury that has kept him off the ice for over a year and a half.
Patrick Kane’s resilience and determination are truly inspiring. His remarkable comeback from major surgery serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport he loves. As hockey fans eagerly await his return to the ice, one thing is certain: Patrick Kane is a true warrior, and his story will continue to captivate fans worldwide.
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