Patrick Kane Sets New Record as Top US-Born Scorer in NHL History

Patrick Kane has etched his name in the annals of NHL history as the top-scoring player born in the United States.

On Thursday night, Kane surpassed Mike Modano by notching his 1,375th point with an assist during the Detroit Red Wings’ matchup against the Washington Capitals. Kane achieved this milestone at 37, whereas Modano was 40 when he reached 1,374 points with a goal.

“When you think about USA Hockey, he’s one of the first names that pops up, if not the first,” said fellow American hockey player Jack Eichel. “He’s a fantastic ambassador for USA Hockey and for us Americans, providing a benchmark for those who followed, including myself.”

Since being selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2007 draft, Kane has been a prominent figure in American hockey. He played a pivotal role in leading the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup victories between 2010 and 2015, during one of the most successful periods in the salary cap era, which began in 2005.

U.S.-born defenseman Charlie McAvoy reminisced about watching Kane during those championship runs, noting, “He did things on the ice that were simply unheard of at the time.”

“His type of player just transcends now, when back then there wasn’t anybody that was really doing that,” U.S.-born defenseman Charlie McAvoy said. “He changed the game of hockey. He’s an absolute legend. And it’s great that he’s an American.”

Earlier this month, Kane became the 50th player and fifth American to score 500 goals, following Keith Tkachuk, Jeremy Roenick and Joe Mullen. Brett Hull, a dual citizen who was born in Canada and played internationally for the U.S., had 741 goals and 1,391 points.

“He’s well on his way to being the best USA player of all time,” countryman Jack Hughes said.

Kane won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in ’07-08, the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2013 and the Hart Trophy as regular-season MVP in 2015-16, when he also led the league in scoring.

“Such an iconic player, just played with such passion,” said Tage Thompson, who’s a first-time U.S. Olympian this year. “Very enthusiastic, loved scoring goals, loved making plays.”

Kane’s slick hands more than made up for him being on the smaller side at 5-foot-10 and under 180 pounds.

“He’s maybe got the best highlight reel of all time,” Hughes said. “Just as a kid, you watch all of his videos and everything, and you’re like, that’s the guy you want to be just because of how skilled he is.”