Red Wings' Patrick Kane still has 'kid-like demeanor' in 19th NHL camp

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News on Sep 19, 2025

Published in Hockey

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TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — One of Todd McLellan's favorite players to coach was Anze Kopitar, when both were in Los Angeles.

Kopitar, 38, announced Thursday that this season, Kopitar's 20th in the NHL, would be his last in a sure-fire Hall of Fame career.

Which kind of invites a comparison to Patrick Kane.

At age 36 (37 on Nov. 19), Kane is in his 19th NHL training camp. Kane is getting older, but any sort of end doesn't appear close. Not even close.

"You always look to the person as he's arriving at the rink," McLellan said. "You see his body language and the spark in his eyes, and is it becoming real hard, or work? Or does he still have that kid-like demeanor?

"In my opinion, he still has that kid-like demeanor."

Kane continues to be a rink rat, spending as much time on the ice as he can. The passion toward the game isn't disappearing.

"He could play forever," McLellan said. "He still loves the game. Nineteen years is a long time. They know when it's time (to end). I don't think he's close to that, so good for him."

Kane re-signed with the Wings on a one-year contract before free agency began July 1 and has said he isn't thinking of retiring. The thrill of arriving at another camp, and the expectation of beginning another season, is strong.

"You still get the anxiety of training camp, the jitters of trying to show you had a good summer and you're ready to go," Kane said. "I'm just trying to take it day to day and stay confident and focused on working on some things that are going to help my game and help the team.

"I feel pretty good. I'm happy with where I'm at (physically) and another chance to start the regular season. It's crazy that it has been 19 years. It doesn't feel like that."

Now two seasons removed from hip surgery, Kane felt more comfortable and at ease this past summer.

"This year was a lot more training-wise, like more of being an athlete," Kane said. "Felt good on the ice, felt good skating. I didn't need as much treatment this summer, which is a good thing, too. I feel like l'm in a good spot every day and just making the most of getting better and better."

Kane was left off last year's Team USA at the 4 Nations Tournament. Kane understood the decision of USA general manager Bill Guerin, who talked with Kane and treated the future Hall of Famer with utmost respect.

But the way Kane finished last season, and his potential impact this coming season, have many analysts thinking Kane could make Team USA's Olympic roster this winter. Kane isn't entirely thinking about that, though.

"It's something that could possibly happen and it would be amazing if it did, but that's not my focus," Kane said. "I want to get off to a good start for the team and myself. If you take care of that, the other stuff will work out."

Big season

This is an important season for goaltender Sebastian Cossa.

The 2021 first-round draft pick (15th overall) will be 23 on Nov. 21 and has watched the Wings draft several other prospects, including Trey Augustine, Michigan State's talented goalie.

Cossa made his NHL debut last season and won in a relief role in Buffalo. But it was the only game Cossa saw, and he spent the year in Grand Rapids.

"Cossa is coming into a really, really important career year for himself," McLellan said. "At this point he's a go-to guy, whether that's going to be in Grand Rapids, where he takes the net and is driven to lead that team, or he may spend time with us. We'll figure that out as the season goes on. But this is a big year for him."

The Wings' coaching staff, said McLellan, has kept a close eye on Cossa's development.

"There's a lot of early familiarity with him," McLellan said. "He's going to be a heck of a player. We just have to give him more time to develop."

Ice chips

McLellan said the Wings aren't concerned currently about putting together a new second pairing, given Simon Edvinsson's injury (lower-body).

"It's not overly serious," McLellan said. "Simon is going to play for us, hopefully the last exhibition game or first regular-season game. We're not even going to get into that, or speculate, unless we really have to later on."

... McLellan is enthused about the extra weight and strength forward Carter Mazur has this training camp.

"He looks heavier and stronger and hopefully it helps protect his frame," McLellan said. "He's had some serious injuries, which have kept him out of hockey for a long time. We think he can bring an element of tenacity to the club."

... McLellan on Kopitar: "He understands how to play and win the game. He understands momentum, checking and gives up things for the betterment of the team. They won (Stanley Cups) because of the team, but he played a huge role in it."