DETROIT — Patrick Kane grinned. The anticipation had come to an end.
Kane has now become the highest-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history, surpassing Mike Modano with an assist for his 1,375th point on Thursday night while playing for the Detroit Red Wings against the Washington Capitals.
“It’s nice to have it behind me to some extent and focus on the rest of the season,” Kane remarked after Washington’s 4-3 decision in a shootout.
Kane delivered the puck from the boards to Alex DeBrincat in the left circle, who then assisted Ben Chiarot for a tying shot from the point midway through the second period.
Kane beamed and embraced Chiarot.
He was surrounded by teammates, many of whom left the bench to take part in a brief celebration. As Kane glided away, the crowd’s attention turned to him, and he raised his stick in acknowledgment while seemingly on the brink of tears.
His image was displayed on the videoboards at Little Caesars Arena, accompanied by an American flag and the number 1,375.
Modano held this record for over 18 years. Kane achieved this milestone shortly after turning 37, while Modano was 40 when he netted goal No. 1,374, surpassing Phil Housley.
“I knew early in your career that you would be the one chasing this number, and here we are,” Modano shared in a pre-recorded message featured on the videoboards. “Keep it going and make this number even tougher for the next guy.”
Kane has been a key figure in American hockey since being drafted first overall by Chicago in 2007. He played a vital role in the Blackhawks’ three Stanley Cup victories from 2010 to 2015, co-headlining one of the most successful eras since the NHL’s salary cap was introduced in 2005.
“When you think of USA Hockey, he’s one of the first players that comes to mind, if not the first,” fellow American Jack Eichel stated. “He represents USA Hockey and Americans so well—an inspiration for many who followed him, especially myself.”
U.S.-born defenseman Charlie McAvoy reminisced about watching Kane’s impressive runs, noting how he “did things that, at the time, were uncommon.”
“His playing style has transcended the game; back then, no one else was really doing what he did,” McAvoy said. “He changed the landscape of hockey. He’s a true legend, and it’s fantastic that he’s American.”
Earlier this month, Kane became the 50th player and the fifth American to reach 500 goals, joining the ranks of Keith Tkachuk, Jeremy Roenick, and Joe Mullen. Brett Hull, a dual citizen who was born in Canada while playing internationally for the U.S., finished with 741 goals and 1,391 points.
“He’s well on his way to being the greatest U.S. player of all time,” fellow American Jack Hughes remarked.
Kane earned the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2007-08, the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2013, and the Hart Trophy as regular-season MVP in 2015-16, during which he also led the league in scoring.
“Such an iconic player who plays with immense passion,” said Tage Thompson, a first-time U.S. Olympian this year. “He’s very enthusiastic, loves scoring, and enjoys making plays.”
Kane’s exceptional skills more than compensate for his smaller stature at 5-foot-10 and under 180 pounds.
“He may have the best highlight reel of all time,” Hughes commented. “As a kid, you watched all his videos and thought, that’s the guy you aspire to be because of his incredible talent.”
