Patrick Kane’s Historic Climb: A U.S.-Born Legend Reaches the Summit of NHL Scoring
Patrick Kane has officially etched his name atop a towering list - the all-time NHL scoring leader among U.S.-born players. It’s a title that hasn’t changed hands since Mike Modano seized it in 2007, and now, nearly two decades later, Kane takes the mantle in fitting fashion - with a career that’s been nothing short of iconic.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Back in November 2007, Modano passed Phil Housley with a two-goal performance against San Jose, a week after Kane had earned “Rookie of the Month” honors and just four months after being selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. Fast forward to today, and Kane’s journey - from that fresh-faced rookie to the top of the U.S.-born scoring charts - is a testament to both his consistency and his brilliance.
Kane didn’t just pass Modano in total points; he also climbed into elite company among No. 1 overall picks. He now holds the sixth-highest point total among all No. 1 picks in NHL history and leads the pack among U.S.-born first-overall selections. That group includes names like Erik Johnson, who was between the benches at Little Caesars Arena when Kane hit his milestone moment.
This isn’t just about numbers - though Kane has plenty of those. It’s about legacy, and Kane’s is steeped in success.
A three-time Stanley Cup champion with Chicago, he also became the first U.S.-born player to win the Art Ross Trophy after racking up a League-best 106 points in 2015-16. That season didn’t just solidify his superstar status - it confirmed him as one of the most dominant offensive forces of his generation.
Kane’s scoring résumé includes some remarkable quirks, too. He’s torched the Columbus Blue Jackets more than any other team, with 90 points - the most by any player in NHL history against that franchise.
That puts him in rare company, joining Modano (95 points vs. Coyotes/Jets) and Brian Leetch (92 vs.
Penguins) as the only U.S.-born players with at least 90 points against a single opponent.
His chemistry with teammates has also been a hallmark of his career. Kane and Jonathan Toews connected on the same goal 301 times, ranking third in Blackhawks franchise history behind only legendary duos like Steve Larmer-Denis Savard and Stan Mikita-Kenny Wharram. More recently, Kane and Alex DeBrincat have found their groove in Detroit, factoring on the same goal 202 times - the most by a pair of U.S.-born teammates in league history, with 67 of those coming since they reunited with the Red Wings.
Speaking of Detroit, Kane’s move to the Red Wings marked the continuation of his Original Six journey. After 16 seasons with the Blackhawks and a brief stint with the Rangers, Kane joined a franchise that already had deep ties to U.S.-born scoring leaders. He now follows in the footsteps of Modano (2010-11), Reed Larson (1976-1986), and Cecil Dillon (1939-40), all of whom wore the winged wheel.
Kane’s impact has been felt in arenas across the NHL. He’s tallied 645 points at United Center - including four as a visitor - and 43 points in 36 games at American Airlines Center, the longtime home of Modano. Those numbers speak to his consistency, his ability to perform under pressure, and his flair for delivering in big moments.
And there’s more history within reach. Kane is just 20 assists shy of passing Phil Housley (894) for the most assists by a U.S.-born player, and only 17 points away from surpassing Brett Hull (1,391) for the highest total by a skater with U.S. nationality. Both marks are well within striking distance.
One final, full-circle moment: Modano, now serving as a hockey operations advisor for the Minnesota Wild, was in the building on January 22 when the Red Wings faced the Wild. After the game, he introduced Kane to his kids - a quiet passing of the torch from one American icon to the next.
Kane’s rise has been remarkable not just because of the milestones, but because of the way he’s hit them - with style, with longevity, and with a knack for making the extraordinary look routine. Now, as the new standard-bearer for U.S.-born NHL players, Kane’s legacy is secure. But knowing him, he’s not done writing history just yet.