Patrick Kane (born on November 19th, 1988) is an American ice hockey player who has played all his professional career with the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL. The skilled right winger has won Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks three times and he is one of the big names among American players in NHL history. His career has been outstanding both in NHL and internationally and it shows in the number of awards and recognitions he has received. Until 2020, Kane has played in nine NHL All-Star games.

Early career

During his junior years, Kane raised interest with his promising point scoring. Before his professional career, Kane played in London Knights of OHL league in 2006-07. The Knights made it to the play-offs and Kane got an Emms Family Award for the best rookie of the season. In 2007 NHL Draft, Chicago picked Kane as the first overall draft and later on, made a three-year contract with him.

Professional career

Kane’s first season 2007-08 in NHL was an instant success. He scored 72 regular season points and was awarded with Calder Memorial Trophy as the best rookie of the season. Next season (2008-09), Blackhawks made it to the play-offs, where Kane scored his first hat-trick of his professional career. Season 2009-10 was phenomenal for both Kane and Chicago Blackhawks: the team won the Stanley Cup and Kane scored 28 points during the play-offs.

For the lockout period during season 2012-13, Kane moved to Switzerland and played in Swiss NLA league for EHC Biel. After all, season 2012-13 was played in NHL as well and it ended to another Stanley Cup victory for Kane and the Blackhawks. Kane was awarded with Conn Smythe Trophy for being the most valuable player in the play-offs.

Kane was injured during the late regular season in both 2014 and 2015 but returned to the play-offs both times – and in later year, he won his third Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks. After season 2015-16, Kane was awarded with Art Ross Trophy for being the best point scorer during NHL regular season. He also won the Ted Lindsay Award and Hart Memorial Trophy. In 2020, Kane is still going strong – and preparing for post-season hockey.

International career

Kane started his international career in USA U18 team, which won World Championship in 2006 games in Sweden. Next year, he was in U20 team that finished third in World Junior Championship games that were also held in Sweden. In 2010, Kane was selected to USA Olympic hockey team that finished second in the tournament. He was also in the team that won bronze in 2018 World Championship tournament in Denmark. Kane was also in the USA teams that took part in 2014 Olympic Games and 2016 World Cup.

Other interesting facts

During the off-season, Kane lives in New York. He is known for his participation of charity activities, for example charity golf tournaments and charity ice hockey matches.

In January 2020, Kane became the youngest American player to score 1000 regular season points in NHL.