If the Blackhawks haven't had a trying enough season already, consider this fact: Patrick Kane turned 30 on Monday.
Kane is the final player of the Hawks' vaunted core to reach that milestone _ Jonathan Toews turned 30 on April 29 _ but he's still firmly in the prime of his career. There's plenty of evidence his remarkable offensive skills and playmaking ability will last at least through the 2022-23 season, when his eight-year, $84 million contract expires.
"Sometimes I almost wonder if I feel better than I did when I was in my younger 20s," Kane said. "I think there's so many different things you learn about your body, what works for you. We do a great job at the Blackhawks as far as nutrition, best ways to take care of yourself."
The Hawks need to take care of Kane, who is their most irreplaceable player. A case can be made for goalie Corey Crawford, and Toews remains a key player, but neither are in Kane's league.
Despite the upheaval in the organization and its current spot in the standings, Kane hasn't given up on this season. And he's definitely not ready to concede future seasons either.
"I don't think anyone's thinking about rebuilding," Kane said. "I think we're just focused on a day-to-day basis, trying to get better, trying to win the next game."
