It's official, the Red Wings have signed Patrick Kane

It's official, the Detroit Red Wings have signed superstar free agent Patrick Kane.

The news was reported first, earlier today from TSN insider Chris Johnston:

It's believed that Kane also had offers from the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and his hometown Buffalo Sabres. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Yzerman distanced himself from the pack by meeting with Kane face to face when Kane was in Toronto recovering from his hip surgery.

More from Seravalli:

A little bit more insight on why Kane chose the Red Wings, courtesy of ESPN insider Emily Kaplan:

According to several sources, Kane was asked on Zoom meetings by general managers and coaches why he wanted to put his body through the grueling rehab process, especially for a surgery with little proof of concept in the NHL, and his answer was repeatedly: "Because I love hockey."

Kane showed humility through the process, sources said, constantly saying he knew he needed "to earn my spot," and saying he didn't expect to play on a team's first line or first power-play unit.

In the end, according to sources, Kane was impressed by Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde's X's and O's hockey acumen and vision for the team. The move also gives Kane a chance to reunite with one of his favorite linemates in Chicago, Alex DeBrincat.

- Emily Kaplan

To me, this reeks a little bit of desperation from the Red Wings and GM Steve Yzerman. The Red Wings are a much improved team this season, but with a seven year playoff drought in Motor City, you can't blame Yzerman for getting a bit antsy. He made several free agent additions this past offseason and now by signing Kane, he's showing the team's fanbase that the time is NOW to get back into the playoffs. Whether it pays off or not, remains to be seen. The Red Wings have cooled lately after a red hot start, here's hoping that Kane can inject some life back into their offense.