Blackhawks legend Chris Chelios hopes to see Patrick Kane return to Chicago this offseason

(670 The Score) After enduring these difficult rebuilding years, the Blackhawks intend to emerge as a contender next season around rookie forward Connor Bedard.

With that, general manager Kyle Davidson is prepared to seek out the right fits the Blackhawks’ roster. Those options could include superstar Patrick Kane, who was traded from Chicago in 2023, or longtime Lightning star Steven Stamkos.

Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios told the Mully & Haugh Show whom he hopes the Blackhawks target this offseason.

“Kaner. Absolutely Kaner,” Chelios said. “As a fan, I want him back as a fan. I’m not really supposed to say anything as an employee of the Hawks. But it just would seem like a great fit after his first game back, the ovation, what Kaner meant to these fans in Chicago and what he’s done. No question, Stamkos would be a great addition, but I think Kaner’s still got lots left.

“Kyle Davidson said they’re going to surround Bedard, they’re going to speed up this rebuild process, so let’s see. I hope it happen. Plenty of money to spend.”

Kane played the first 16 years of his career with the Blackhawks, winning the Stanley Cup three times in Chicago. He's a four-time All-Star and won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 2015-'16. He played 19 games with the Rangers following the 2023 trade and then 50 games with the Red Wings last season.

Kane, 35, scored 20 goals and recorded 27 assists last season in Detroit.

The Blackhawks finished last season with a record of 23-53-6. They have made the playoffs once since 2017, and that was only as part of a temporary expansion of the postseason field in 2020 after returning to play following the pandemic break.

Despite their struggles last season, Bedard is expected to be honored with the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.