Count Connor Bedard among those who would love to see Patrick Kane back in a Chicago Blackhawks uniform.
"I don't know what I can say to persuade his decision, but obviously we'd all be so excited to have player like that but also a guy like that," Bedard told reporters Monday, including NHL.com's Tracey Myers. "I can't imagine his first game back at the (United Center with the Blackhawks), the reaction he'd get and how much juice that would bring to not only our team but our fans as well. That would be incredible to play with him and learn from him."
Kane remains a free agent following a three-year run with the Detroit Red Wings. Blackhawks legend Chris Chelios recently said he believes the 37-year-old will either sign with Chicago or the Buffalo Sabres, Kane's hometown team.
Kane's final season with the Blackhawks was in 2022-23, the year before Bedard made his NHL debut with Chicago.
"Hopefully (Kane) decides to come back (to Chicago)," Bedard said. "You talk about the legacy aspect of it, but just as a team, he would make us a way better team. He's still an amazing player. I don't know if this is the best pitch, but hopefully he comes back and we can play together, for sure."
Kane has remained productive in the latter stages of his career, including last season, when he recorded 57 points in 67 games.
Of course, he's also one of the greatest Blackhawks players of all time. Kane ranks second in franchise history with 1,225 points in 1,161 games. He helped Chicago win Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
Bedard, the 2023 No. 1 pick, is set to be in the Windy City for the long haul after signing a five-year, $75-million contract Saturday.
