Patrick Kane sent Todd McLellan and Detroit fans a direct farewell after ending his run with the Red Wings.
Kane returned to the Chicago Blackhawks on a 2-year contract carrying an $8,000,000 average annual value, closing the door on a Detroit reunion.
His message thanked Marian Ilitch, Chris Ilitch, Steve Yzerman, the coaching staff and everyone who supported his family during his time with the organization.
Kane gave special attention to Alex DeBrincat, calling him one of his closest friends in hockey and highlighting the bond that developed between their sons.
He also thanked several teammates by nickname, offering a glimpse at the relationships he built inside the locker room while trying to push Detroit back into the postseason.
But the sharpest line was aimed at the fans. Kane apologized for failing to help the Red Wings get over the hump and return to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Here is the complete message :
Thank you to Marian and Chris Ilitch, Steve Yzerman. All the coaches, players, trainers, equipment managers, and everyone within the organization for making Detroit a special place for me and my family over the past few seasons.
To be able to play with Alex Debrincat again, one of my best friends in hockey and watch our sons develop a similar friendship was incredible. You're an amazing player and person and I cherished our time together on and off the ice.
To Larks, Mo, Razor, Ras, Copper, JT, and Benny, thank you for being amazing teammates and trying to pull the most out of me and our team everyday. Just too bad Benny scored to help me break the US points record, now I have to hear about that forever.
Finally to the fans, wow what can I say..The support I felt over the last few seasons was unbelievable. I never expected that coming from Chicago. To score my 500th goal and 1375th point at home at the LCA. In front of you was..Perfect. Thank you for all your love. Sorry we couldn't get over the hump and get in the playoffs. That's all anyone wanted.
It was truly an honor to be a Red Wing and I enjoyed every minute of it.
To be part of such a storied franchise and be welcomed with open arms is something my family and I will never forget. Thank you Detroit!
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Patrick Kane makes painful admission before saying goodbye to Red Wings fans
That admission carried weight because Detroit's playoff drought shaped every season Kane spent there. The roster knew the pressure, and Kane made clear that the players felt it too.
His farewell wasn't bitter. Kane described playing for the Red Wings as an honor and said the support inside Little Caesars Arena exceeded anything he expected after arriving from Chicago.
Detroit also gave him 2 personal milestones he'll remember. Kane scored his 500th goal and recorded his 1,375th point on home ice in front of Red Wings fans.
Those moments strengthened his connection to the city, but they couldn't erase the team result. Kane left without delivering the postseason appearance Detroit had been chasing.
The contract gap likely made the decision straightforward. Chicago committed major money and term to bring back the player most closely tied to its modern era.
For Yzerman, Kane's departure removes proven scoring and another experienced voice from the top six. Detroit now has to replace that offense without losing ground in a crowded Eastern Conference race.
McLellan also loses a player capable of changing a power play with one touch. DeBrincat remains, but the chemistry between the longtime friends won't be part of Detroit's attack next season.
Kane's final message sounded grateful, personal and honest. He appreciated Detroit, regretted the unfinished job and left no doubt that missing the playoffs still bothered him on the way out.
Should the Red Wings have matched Patrick Kane's contract?
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