NHL star has rare hip surgery that will sideline him several months

Former Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers forward Patrick Kane underwent a hip resurfacing surgery this week that is going to sideline him for the next four to six months, according to his agent Pat Brisson. 

That could have a major impact on his status as an unrestricted free agent this summer. 

Kane, 34, has been one of the NHL’s most prolific scorers throughout his career and was a key part of three Stanley Cup winning teams with the Blackhawks. He was traded to New York at the trade deadline this year as part of the Blackhawks’ rebuild, but was a fraction of his former self.

The 2022-23 season was one of the worst of Kane’s career, especially as it related to his play away from the puck. A lot of that was chalked up to simple fact he was simply getting older and was never a great defensive player even in his prime. It was also believed that he was not quite 100 percent. The hip surgery confirms that.

Kane’s agent said that he still intends to play for a long-time, but there should be serious questions as to how effective he can be when he returns to the ice.

Washington Capitals teammates Nicklas Backstrom and Carl Hagelin also underwent this surgery within the past year. Backstrom underwent the surgery last offseason at the same age as Kane. He returned this season and only appeared in 39 games, scoring seven goals with 14 assists and 21 total points. Hagelin did not play at all this season. 

That four-to-six month timeframe will keep him off the ice until September at the absolute earliest and November at the latest. September is when NHL teams are starting to report for training camp.

Even without the surgery Kane’s free agency was going to be fascinating to watch. He is still a big name and has some value offensively, but as he showed this season he is no longer really an impact player. His best role would have been on a Stanley Cup contender where he could take on a complementary role instead of a primary role. 

Will a team be willing to roll the dice on him in July or August given the uncertainty around his timeframe to return? Or will he need to wait until after the 2023-24 season begins to get a new contract offer from somebody? Those are questions that will get answers in the next few months.