Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane, nearing the NHL's all-time points record for U.S.-born players, has tipped Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews as the next to pursue such milestones. Kane, two points shy of Mike Modano's mark, praised Matthews' talent ahead of their teams' matchup. The prediction highlights Matthews' scoring prowess amid his strong January performance.
Patrick Kane stands on the brink of NHL history as a U.S.-born player. The Detroit Red Wings forward has amassed 1,372 points—500 goals and 872 assists—over 1,337 games, just two shy of tying Mike Modano's record of 1,374 points (561 goals, 813 assists) in 1,499 games. This milestone looms ahead of Detroit's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.
Kane, 37, expressed confidence in Matthews' potential to follow suit. "Special player," Kane said. "And I think one day he'll probably be in the shoes I'm in right now." He added, "That's the guy, right? That's the next guy for a lot of American kids to look up to right now. He's such a special player in a big market, and scores goals as good as anyone, pretty much, in the League."
Matthews, 28, leads the Maple Leafs with 25 goals this season, including 10 in January, the most in the NHL. He has 769 points (426 goals, 343 assists) in 672 games, ranking 10th among U.S.-born players in goals and 23rd in points. Kane highlighted Matthews' versatility: "His shot, his hands, getting to the front of the net. Seems like he's been very driven lately too."
Health remains a challenge for Matthews, who has played all 82 games in a season only once, as a rookie in 2016-17. He appeared in 81 during his 69-goal 2023-24 campaign. Growing up in Scottsdale, Arizona, Matthews idolized Kane and first skated with him at a skills camp after winning the 2017 Calder Trophy. "He works extremely hard," Matthews said then, noting Kane's dedication in practice and the gym.
Kane, with 29 points (eight goals, 21 assists) in 35 games this season, feels optimistic. "Body feels good, which is awesome," he said after morning skate. "And I feel good about my game." He has limited recent contact with Modano but holds the Hall of Famer in high regard for his contributions to American hockey.