Patrick Kane Becomes NHL’s All-Time Points Leader Among American-Born Players
Another milestone, another moment of hockey history-this time etched by a name already synonymous with greatness. On Thursday night, Patrick Kane added yet another chapter to his Hall of Fame-worthy career, becoming the highest-scoring American-born player in NHL history with his 1,375th career point. The record-breaking moment came during the second period of the Detroit Red Wings’ matchup against the Washington Capitals, where Kane notched a secondary assist on Ben Chiarot’s fifth goal of the season.
That point pushed Kane past the legendary Mike Modano, whose 1,374 career points had long stood as the gold standard for American-born players. Kane reached the mark in his 1,342nd NHL game-over 150 games quicker than Modano, who tallied his final point in his 1,495th game, fittingly also as a member of the Red Wings.
Kane had tied Modano just two nights earlier in a game against the Los Angeles Kings, and wasted little time in claiming the record outright. The achievement is more than just a number-it’s a reflection of nearly two decades of elite play, consistency, and an uncanny ability to rise in the biggest moments.
And Kane’s not done yet. The next name on the list is Brett Hull, who, while born in Canada, represented Team USA internationally and recorded 1,391 points over his storied career. Kane is now within striking distance of Hull’s mark, which would make him the highest-scoring player ever to wear the red, white, and blue in international competition.
For Kane, a Buffalo native, this record is another jewel in a crown that already includes three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and a Hart Trophy. Since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, Kane has been nothing short of electric. He captured the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2007-08 and quickly became the face of a Chicago Blackhawks dynasty that won three Cups in six seasons.
His peak individual season came in 2015-16, when he racked up 46 goals and 106 points-career highs across the board. That year, he swept the league’s top individual honors, taking home the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer, the Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player as voted by the players, and the Hart Trophy as league MVP.
But beyond the hardware and the highlight reels, Kane’s legacy is about how he changed the perception of American hockey talent. He’s not just one of the best Americans to ever play the game-he’s one of the best, period. With his vision, hands, and hockey IQ, Kane has been a force from the moment he stepped on NHL ice, and he’s still finding ways to make history.
As the Red Wings push forward in their season, Kane’s chase of Hull’s total adds another layer of intrigue. But whether or not he hits that next number, one thing is already clear: Patrick Kane has redefined what it means to be an American star in the NHL.