My story about Kane doesn't have to do with his hockey accolades, which I do have a lot of fond memories of, but rather about the naming of my son.

The year was 2015, and my wife was pregnant, and the Hawks were on their way to winning another cup. We are driving in the car one day trying to think of some boy names. I had become a hockey fanatic by now, so of course I am trying to think of hockey player names that would make a good baby name. I finally think of Kane, because not only is he my favorite player, but Kane is a nice strong name. I bring it up to her thinking that she is just going to immediately shoot it down, but to my surprise she mulls it over for a minute, and then says "a nice strong name, I like it!"

Now, a week before the due date, the allegations about Kane come out. My wife is asking me whether we should change the name. But, we had already told so many people and had gotten some gifts with his name on it. I tell her, "Hell no, we aren't changing the name. I don't believe any of this BS, and even if he is convicted, I will never believe it!"

So my sons name is still Kane, and luckily the allegations were completely unfounded.

I say he plays his whole career with Chicago, and retires as the Best Blackhawk player ever.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Yes, love that as a name!

Would be an interesting survey of Hawks fans to see how many named children or animals after any of the core or the team itself. I know Jordan had that level of influence.

Would also like to see a full survey of the NHL players as I'd bet more than 25% of the young offensive superstars, e.g., Matthews, would cite Kane as their favorite growing up since he's now an elder statesman.

Also wonder the (unquantifiable) influence he's had on growth of hockey in the US and in Chicago, specifically.

Only US Born player to EVER win the Art Ross

https://twitter.com/ByScottPowers/status/1086268243545911296

Powers hasn't heard the rumor about Mitchell staying, he should know more soon. Hope we can see the kid soon.
- ObeseOprah

What did powers post on twitter? I can't get to twitter at work.

https://twitter.com/ByScottPowers/status/1086268243545911296

Powers hasn't heard the rumor about Mitchell staying, he should know more soon. Hope we can see the kid soon.
- ObeseOprah

Dude Mitchell is a sophmore and a stud. Nominated for the Hobey Baker already as a Sophmore...NO WAY does he stay all 4 years just to be a UFA....he's going to play some games in Chicago this Spring when NCAA season ends...book it!

Yes, love that as a name!

Would be an interesting survey of Hawks fans to see how many named children or animals after any of the core or the team itself. I know Jordan had that level of influence.

Would also like to see a full survey of the NHL players as I'd bet more than 25% of the young offensive superstars, e.g., Matthews, would cite Kane as their favorite growing up since he's now an elder statesman.

Also wonder the (unquantifiable) influence he's had on growth of hockey in the US and in Chicago, specifically.
- pdx2ord

I bet at least half of kids in the Chicagoland area who play or have played hockey in the last 10 years was because of Kane, or at least because of him making the Blackhawks relevant again. And yes, he is pretty much solely responsible for that, because without him, I don't think they even win the 2010 cup. And as others have stated, winning does a lot to bring in the fans...

Dude Mitchell is a sophmore and a stud. Nominated for the Hobey Baker already as a Sophmore...NO WAY does he stay all 4 years just to be a UFA....he's going to play some games in Chicago this Spring when NCAA season ends...book it!
- EnzoD

Drew Leblanc, Andy Miele, Kevin Porter, Ryan Duncan, Peter Sejna are all Hobey Baker winners. The award doesn't matter that much. There is a real possibility Mitchell wants to stay to complete his schooling before he turns pro. Remember if he wanted to fast track to the NHL Major Junior is the fastest route to the big leagues. I have no idea what his futiure plans are but if school is his priority then he'll complete his senior year then he gets the added bonus of choosing to play where he wants.

Nobody is untradeable, right one comes along and they will get rid of him.

It would have to be a great offer though.

Yes, love that as a name!

Would be an interesting survey of Hawks fans to see how many named children or animals after any of the core or the team itself. I know Jordan had that level of influence.

Would also like to see a full survey of the NHL players as I'd bet more than 25% of the young offensive superstars, e.g., Matthews, would cite Kane as their favorite growing up since he's now an elder statesman.

Also wonder the (unquantifiable) influence he's had on growth of hockey in the US and in Chicago, specifically.
- pdx2ord

I am older than the poster who named his son "Kane". (Great name BTW)!!!
But my son is named "Jeremy". Born in the 90's. Betting y'all can guess why....
Wife wouldn't go with a first name "Larmer"....lol.

What did powers post on twitter? I can't get to twitter at work.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

That he hasn't heard any rumors about Mitchell staying all 4 years.

https://twitter.com/ByScottPowers/status/1086268243545911296

Powers hasn't heard the rumor about Mitchell staying, he should know more soon. Hope we can see the kid soon.
- ObeseOprah

If the Hawks think he's ready, especially ready enough to burn an ELC year this year, he'd be crazy to stay in school. If he comes out, he'll be an RFA at the end of what would have been his senior year. If he stays in for two years he signs an ELC then.

Drew Leblanc, Andy Miele, Kevin Porter, Ryan Duncan, Peter Sejna are all Hobey Baker winners. The award doesn't matter that much. There is a real possibility Mitchell wants to stay to complete his schooling before he turns pro. Remember if he wanted to fast track to the NHL Major Junior is the fastest route to the big leagues. I have no idea what his futiure plans are but if school is his priority then he'll complete his senior year then he gets the added bonus of choosing to play where he wants.
- paulr

Maybe but it is beginning to change somewhat. The real issue to me is the huge difference in the number of games played at the NCAA level as opposed to juniors.

I absolutely love Patrick Kane and he is my all time favorite Blackhawk (replacing Jeremy Roenick). It blows my mind that a team with Kane can find itself in last place for the entire NHL.

Maybe but it is beginning to change somewhat. The real issue to me is the huge difference in the number of games played at the NCAA level as opposed to juniors.
- Elbows15

I said fast track, not better. The number of games allows the kid to be ready for the NHL grind. I am no so sure the college route isn't better due to the higher practice to games ratio. Also if I had a kid playing I'd prefer he played he go the college route for the education. Many good poorly educated hockey players who never made it.

Drew Leblanc, Andy Miele, Kevin Porter, Ryan Duncan, Peter Sejna are all Hobey Baker winners. The award doesn't matter that much. There is a real possibility Mitchell wants to stay to complete his schooling before he turns pro. Remember if he wanted to fast track to the NHL Major Junior is the fastest route to the big leagues. I have no idea what his futiure plans are but if school is his priority then he'll complete his senior year then he gets the added bonus of choosing to play where he wants.
- paulr

How many of those guys you listed were Seniors when they won the Hobey Baker award?

EDIT: the last 2 underclassmen to win the Hobey Baker award are pretty good....Johnny Hockey and Jack Eichel and the Hawks have TWO sophmores in Barratt and Mitchell

Honestly, I never thought I would question 19's work ethic. But every year Kaner comes back with a new trick or cog to his game and continues to produce. They are different players, but Johnny is no sluch in the skills department and I have not seen him come back with a new trick or tweak to his game.

When you're officially last place in the entire league then it's time to sell! Just saying...hope something happens.

I absolutely love Patrick Kane and he is my all time favorite Blackhawk (replacing Jeremy Roenick). It blows my mind that a team with Kane can find itself in last place for the entire NHL.
- GoHawks11814456

Look at the bright side, Kane and the Hawks won three cups, the way Edmonton is going McDavid may never win a cup.

There are some goalie wives and girlfriends that are consistently being kicked and elbowed in the middle of the night as their boyfriend/husbands are having Patrick Kane dangle nightmares.

#ThoughtsAndPrayers

RIP Jonathan Quick, Roberto Luongo, Mike Smith, Robin Lehner, etc. etc. etc....

How many of those guys you listed were Seniors when they won the Hobey Baker award?

EDIT: the last 2 underclassmen to win the Hobey Baker award are pretty good....Johnny Hockey and Jack Eichel and the Hawks have TWO sophmores in Barratt and Mitchell
- EnzoD

The point is the HB award isn't the be all and end all there are many guys who have never made it. Mitchell is a decent defenseman but he's far from ready for the NHL. He was pretty average at the WJHC. If Chicago are smart they'll let him develop in College.

Honestly, I never thought I would question 19's work ethic. But every year Kaner comes back with a new trick or cog to his game and continues to produce. They are different players, but Johnny is no sluch in the skills department and I have not seen him come back with a new trick or tweak to his game.
- nickmo2699

I've read a couple of articles (prior to this season beginning) that outlined his "new" routine. I forget if he is using the same instructor as Kane or not, but it is a similar concept to what Kane uses. Also, I think everyone can agree he has come back very strong this year after a number of "down" years.

Justin, as an old guy I’ve been through this before with guys like Bobby Hull, then Dennis Savard then Chris Chelios then Jeremy Roenick, anybody that wants to get rid of Patrick Kane and all this retool bull crap, Either they are A) fantasy want to be general managers trading hockey cards with their buddies. or B) A duck farting in shallow water. Patrick Kane stays here until he does not want to be here anymore. And I think when it’s all said and done he will score about 650 career National Hockey League goals hopefully all in the Chicago Blackhawk uniform.

I absolutely love Patrick Kane and he is my all time favorite Blackhawk (replacing Jeremy Roenick). It blows my mind that a team with Kane can find itself in last place for the entire NHL.
- GoHawks11814456

Although, Stan Mikita will always be my favorite Blackhawk (for now anyway), I love what Kane has done for the team. Too bad he wears number 88. Class of 88 Midshipmen were my upperclassmen at the Naval Academy, and I took a lot of abuse from them. Can't stand that number because of them.

Therefore, he should be wearing 90-2 on his jersey. Get it right already Kaner!

I've read a couple of articles (prior to this season beginning) that outlined his "new" routine. I forget if he is using the same instructor as Kane or not, but it is a similar concept to what Kane uses. Also, I think everyone can agree he has come back very strong this year after a number of "down" years.
- Chunk

This is not a slam on Toews. More so just questioning his focus in the off season. Kaner is legit adding a new tool every year, and Johnny just seems to do the same stuff year after year. This year his speed has been greatly improved and it's opened a lot more opportunity for him!

This is not a slam on Toews. More so just questioning his focus in the off season. Kaner is legit adding a new tool every year, and Johnny just seems to do the same stuff year after year. This year his speed has been greatly improved and it's opened a lot more opportunity for him!
- nickmo2699

I wasn't taking it that way. Just saying that I think going forward, you might start to see similar improvements to Toews' game as we have seen in Kane's. Assuming he brings the focus and determination that he is known for to these training sessions.

Dude Mitchell is a sophmore and a stud. Nominated for the Hobey Baker already as a Sophmore...NO WAY does he stay all 4 years just to be a UFA....he's going to play some games in Chicago this Spring when NCAA season ends...book it!
- EnzoD

The kid is a college waif who's played against boys never men. He'll be a bust like every other college prospect the Hawks have had. Have another glass of Kool Aid.