Special Milestones often bring reflection, especially for players who shaped an era. As Patrick Kane nears the American point summit, attention has shifted toward who might follow his path. Kane’s recent comments offered insight into how he views the next wave of American NHL stars.
Patrick Kane Says Auston Matthews Will Surpass His NHL Legacy and American Scoring Record
Kane continues to build on his Hall of Fame–level career while chasing a key scoring milestone among American-born NHL players. After Detroit’s 2-1 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, he sat two points behind Mike Modano for second all-time in points among U.S.-born players, with Brett Hull still leading with 1391 points.
Kane did not record a point in the game, but he stayed involved as Detroit earned its seventh win in eight games and completed a season sweep of Toronto.
While reflecting on his career and the next generation, Kane pointed to Auston Matthews as the American player most likely to surpass his legacy.
Speaking with NHL’s Mike Zeisberger, Kane said, “One day, he’ll probably be in the shoes I am right now. That’s the guy, right? That’s the next guy for a lot of American kids that they’re looking up to now. He’s such a special player in a big market, and scores goals as good as anyone, pretty much, in the League.”
“He’s so gifted in that he can score in so many different ways. His shot, his hands, getting to the front of the net. Seems like he’s been very driven lately, too. He’s kind of leading their team right now, so definitely a guy we’ve got to watch out for. But it’s always fun to go up against him.”
Matthews, 28, remains the most important player in Toronto’s offense and is putting together another strong scoring season with 25 goals and 42 points in 44 games. Drafted first overall in 2016, he plays a power-forward game built on strength, quick releases, and scoring in tight areas.
He is under a four-year contract worth $53 million, carrying a $13.25 million cap hit per season. The deal shows his importance as a franchise leader and one of the league’s top goal scorers. He generates offense, which only a few can in today’s game, as evidenced by his 69-goal season in 2023-24. It supports Kane’s belief that Matthews could define the next era of American talent.
Kane, now 37, is still producing for the Red Wings, recording 29 points in 36 games with eight goals and 21 assists. His game now leans more on calculated moves and playmaking than pure speed.
Drafted first overall in 2007 by the Chicago Blackhawks, Kane built a decorated career that includes a Calder Trophy, three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe, a Hart Trophy, and an Art Ross Trophy. He is also recognized as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players.
READ MORE: Mitch Marner Speaks on Auston Matthews Etching His Name in Maple Leafs’ History Books
As Kane continues his pursuit of American scoring history, his perspective places Matthews not just as a current rival but as the player most likely to carry his legacy forward.
Detroit will next face the Minnesota Wild on Jan. 22 at 9:30 p.m. ET, as Kane remains central to the Red Wings’ playoff push and the wider conversation about the future of American hockey.
