Detroit Red Wings sign Patrick Kane to one-year extension

Steve Yzerman got it done: Patrick Kane is staying with the Detroit Red Wings.

Less than 24 hours before Kane could have hit the open market, the Red Wings announced on social media that Kane had signed a one-year extension. It's worth $4 million in base salary with a potential $2.5 million in bonuses.

It's a big deal for the Wings, whose lineup just retained a game-changer, a guy who relishes big moments, and yet off the ice is the most grounded of superstars.

Kane came to the Wings late last year, signing for $2.75 million on what was a tryout deal for both sides. For Kane, it was to see where his on-ice performance was at after undergoing invasive hip surgery the previous summer. For the Wings, it was a chance to see if Kane could be a good fit.

The answer was a resounding success for both sides.

Kane, 35, made his debut Dec. 7 and scored Dec. 9. Around Christmas, he went on a tear, cramming 10 points into a six-game span. By mid-January, he had 16 points. Then he suffered an injury, not related to the hip surgery, and missed nearly a month. As soon as he returned, the points started pouring in again.

By the end of the season, he had 47 points in 50 games.

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In addition to his on-ice performances – when he was Mr. Showtime – Kane was a big gain in the locker room, where his quiet demeanor set a great example for the rest of the players.

Getting Kane re-signed gives the Wings a little breathing room when free agency opens. Now they have a firmer handle on their cap space, which will need about $16 million earmarked for new contracts for restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

Do they figure out a way to re-sign Shayne Gostisbehere, the dynamic defenseman whose offense from the back end made such a difference both on the power play and at even strength? The knock on him has always been his defense, and that's why he's bounced from team to team. But he gave the Wings something they needed, and Yzerman has been open about wanting to keep him.

The Wings also need some depth players up front, and a third-string goaltender.

Contact Helene St. James athstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter@helenestjames. Read more on theDetroit Red Wings and sign up for ourRed Wings newsletter. Her latest book, “On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft,” is available from Amazon,Barnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail.