Red Wings’ Patrick Kane to return after nine-game absence

Showtime is coming back to Hockeytown.

When speaking to the media, Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan revealed that forward Patrick Kane will be back in the lineup on Friday night, when the Red Wings host Kane’s former team, the New York Rangers.

Kane was seen taking reps on the team’s top power-play unit during morning skate, as well as taking line rushes with Alex DeBrincat and Marco Kasper. The Buffalo native has missed the Red Wings’ last nine games due to an upper-body injury he suffered during Detroit’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 17. In that 2-1 victory, Kane crashed hard into the boards and prematurely exited the game.

The 36-year-old was off to a solid start this season, potting two goals and three assists for five points in five appearances. His first two years in the Motor City have gone well enough that it led to the former Chicago Blackhawk signing a one-year contract extension this past June, which has a cap hit of $3 million.

Kane’s talent and veteran experience have led to a slight resurgence in Detroit. While the team has yet to snap its nine-year playoff drought, it has gone from a doormat to a competitive team with the three-time Stanley Cup champion on its roster. In his absence, the Wings have gone 5-4-0, keeping up with the rest of the top teams in the Atlantic Division through the first month of the regular season.

The team hopes Kane’s return reignites an offense that struggled during its recent road trip through the Western Conference. Along with being shut out by the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, the Wings were limited to just two goals against the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks.

The Wings will hope to keep their home winning way intact. Since losing their home opener to the Montreal Canadiens last month, Detroit has reeled off five straight wins at Little Caesars Arena.