‘It’s going to be a great addition for us’: DeBrincat excited to be playing with Kane again

It didn’t happen instantaneously, but Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane grew to be close friends during their five years as Blackhawks teammates.

They’d golf, go to dinner on the road, watch dozens of hockey games.

Then there was the chemistry on the ice. While the Hawks didn’t have a ton of success as a team, there’s no denying DeBrincat and Kane formed one deadly duo.

“We kind of think the same way in a lot of different aspects of the game,” DeBrincat said in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon. “It just kind of clicked.

“I don’t necessarily think it was an instant click where we were best friends right off the bat. It took years to form that relationship. But now we’re pretty close.”

And now they’re together again, with Kane signing a one-year, $2.75 million prorated deal to play with the Red Wings. Kane has been a free agent since last season ended and has been out rehabbing his hip after undergoing resurfacing surgery on June 1.

So is this something DeBrincat and Kane discussed?

“Not exactly,” DeBrincat said. “I feel like you throw things out there and maybe it sticks. Obviously we love playing with each other, so it’s easy to say we’d love to re-link up at some point.

“But the stars have got to align pretty well. There’s got to be that interest on both sides. It’s nice to have that interest (by Detroit).”

The Hawks traded DeBrincat to Ottawa on draft day in 2022, and the Senators then shipped DeBrincat to Detroit during the off-season.

Now that this reunion is happening, DeBrincat could not be happier.

“Any team could use a Patrick Kane,” said DeBrincat, who has 12 goals and 8 assists for the 11-6-3 Red Wings. “But we have the spots for him and he can come play his game here.”

DeBrincat and Kane stayed in contact during the summer and throughout this season.

“He’s kind of a hockey nerd, so he’s always thinking about playing hockey,” DeBrincat said. “I’m sure this time away from the game has been a little tough. More of just checking in on that front and see how he’s feeling.”

They’ve texted as recently as Tuesday morning — and DeBrincat admitted the Detroit locker room was buzzing as word spread.

“Obviously all the boys hear the news and we’re excited,” DeBrincat said.

The Hawks and Red Wings face off Thursday, and although it is not known if Kane will play, coach Luke Richardson expects to see him on the ice.

“If he’s ready to sign, I’m sure he’s ready to play,” Richardson said. “The good thing is our guys know him and know, as good as he is, his tendencies out there. That’s an easy pre-scout for us, but he is so good that he still gets things done.

“So we definitely always have to keep an eye out on him.”

Kane had 21 goals and 36 assists last season with the Hawks and Rangers. His addition obviously makes the Red Wings a serious contender in the Eastern Conference.

“It’s cool for them,” Hawks defenseman Connor Murphy said. “I know they are good buddies. I never really talked to Kaner about his decisions this year, but you wonder how much that played a (part). Having familiarity is always nice going into a new team.”

Hawks rookie Connor Bedard called it a huge signing for Detroit.

“He’s one of the best players to every play,” Bedard said. “Growing up being able to watch him, I mean the stuff he’d do on a nightly basis (was) pretty remarkable. Magician obviously.

“He’s so fun to watch. One of the best to ever do it. Cool to see him sign and have a new start there, so I’m excited to see what he can do there.”