Patrick Kane issues public message to fans in Detroit.

It is the end of the Patrick Kane era in Detroit.

Earlier this week Kane made it official when he signed a new deal with the team he made his name with, the Chicago Blackhawks. It was a lucrative contract, a 2 year deal at an average annual value and salary cap hit of $8 million per season, one that the Red Wings were likely never really going to match.

On Saturday, Kane took to social media to express his thoughts on his time in Detroit, sharing some kind words for the fans, the team's management and of course his fellow players. Kane made special note of his friendship with Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat, perhaps hinting at why he came to Detroit in the first place in the process.

Kane ended off his message with an apology to the fans for failing to make the Stanley Cup playoffs, admitting that the players were acutely aware of the unique pressures surrounding this team and it's lack of recent playoff appearances.

Here is Kane's message, unedited and in full:

Thank you to Marian and Chris Ilitch, Steve Yzerman. All the coaches, players, trainers, equipment managers, and everyone within the organization for making Detroit a special place for me and my family over the past few seasons.

To be able to play with Alex Debrincat again, one of my best friends in hockey and watch our sons develop a similar friendship was incredible. You're an amazing player and person and I cherished our time together on and off the ice.

To Larks, Mo, Razor, Ras, Copper, JT, and Benny, thank you for being amazing teammates and trying to pull the most out of me and our team everyday. Just too bad Benny scored to help me break the US points record, now I have to hear about that forever.

Finally to the fans, wow what can I say..The support I felt over the last few seasons was unbelievable. I never expected that coming from Chicago. To score my 500th goal and 1375th point at home at the LCA. In front of you was..Perfect. Thank you for all your love. Sorry we couldn't get over the hump and get in the playoffs. That's all anyone wanted.

It was truly an honor to be a Red Wing and I enjoyed every minute of it.

To be part of such a storied franchise and be welcomed with open arms is something my family and I will never forget. Thank you Detroit!

Let me know your thoughts on this one in the comments.