On Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Detroit, veteran forward Patrick Kane, now with the Detroit Red Wings spoke with the Chicago Sun-Times about facing his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks, and singled out rising star Connor Bedard for high praise. Kane said: “He’s a special player. He’s able to control the puck and make plays that other guys can’t. That’s just the reality of it.” With Bedard coming off a three-point night in Chicago’s 5-1 win over Detroit on Sunday, the coach and media are starting to pay real attention to his game.
Patrick Kane’s praise for Connor Bedard
Patrick Kane told the press in Detroit that Connor Bedard’s talent stands out even among the NHL’s best. According to the Sun-Times, Kane commented on Bedard’s puck control and ability to make plays “that other guys can’t do in the league.”
With a three-point performance on Sunday afternoon, Connor Bedard now leads the League in points with 25! 📈
It just keeps getting more impressive. pic.twitter.com/fHuR52gNxh
— NHL (@NHL) November 9, 2025
Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks who now wears the Red Wings uniform, is no stranger to elite play. His recognition of Bedard carries weight.
Kane explained that Bedard is “able to control the puck and make plays” which sets him apart. The former Blackhawks star emphasized that Bedard already shows signs of more than raw potential.
Connor Bedard’s breakout and team context
Chicago’s first-overall selection in 2023, Connor Bedard, has already had a significant influence in his third NHL season.
He came to the meeting with Detroit proudly flaunting statistics after posting one goal and three assists in a 4-0 defeat over the Calgary Flames. The Blackhawks defeated the Red Wings 5–1 on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Bedard scored once and gave two assists to start the scoring just 59 seconds in on a power-play goal from the right circle.
In the third period, he established two more objectives: one by Tyler Bertuzzi at 5:09 and an empty-netter by André Burakovsky. Meanwhile, Kane didn’t score a point in that game as his season has slowed from earlier ones.
The encounter pointed up a shifting of the guard: Bedard moving fast, and Kane showing honor with his speech. With Kane’s career legacy and Bedard’s rapid ascent, the exchange gives fans plenty to watch in Chicago’s hockey scene.
