Patrick Kane Becomes Highest-Scoring U.S.-Born Player in NHL History
Detroit saw history etched into the NHL record books tonight, and fittingly, it came off the stick of one of the league’s all-time American greats. Patrick Kane, the three-time Stanley Cup champion and former first overall pick, officially passed Mike Modano to become the highest-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history with his 1,375th career point.
The milestone moment came in the second period against the Washington Capitals, when Kane picked up a secondary assist on a Ben Chiarot one-timer that found the back of the net behind goaltender Charlie Lindgren. That goal tied the game 1-1, but more importantly, it cemented Kane’s place atop the leaderboard for American-born players - a mark Modano had held since 2007.
There was a sense of inevitability in the air at Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings, knowing the moment was close, were clearly looking to get Kane the record on home ice.
Early in the game, it looked like he had already done it - setting up Alex DeBrincat for a goal in vintage Kane fashion - only for the play to be called back for offside. But Kane, as he's done countless times over his career, stayed patient and found the scoresheet again, this time for good.
Modano, who broke the record himself nearly two decades ago and also wore the Winged Wheel late in his career, offered a classy video tribute to Kane, congratulating him on the achievement. It was a full-circle moment - one American hockey legend tipping his cap to the next.
Kane, now 37, isn’t the same explosive skater he was in his prime. Injuries and age have naturally slowed his game a bit, but he remains a cerebral force, particularly on the power play.
His chemistry with DeBrincat is still very much intact, and his 31 points in 38 games this season are a testament to his enduring skill. On the man advantage, he’s still elite - boasting an eye-popping 89.1% Corsi For, a metric that underscores just how much puck possession and offensive pressure he generates when Detroit has the extra skater.
And let’s not overlook the broader context here. Kane is playing a key role in what could be a turning point for the Red Wings.
After nearly a decade out of the playoffs, Detroit is finally trending upward, and Kane’s presence - both as a veteran leader and a playmaker - is a big part of that resurgence. He signed on as an unrestricted free agent, and while his future beyond this season remains uncertain, his impact is already being felt.
Looking ahead, Auston Matthews is the most likely active U.S.-born player with a shot at chasing Kane’s record. With 772 points in 676 games, the Arizona native is on a strong trajectory - but he’ll need both health and longevity to match Kane’s consistency and durability. Kane has logged over 1,340 games in his career, and that kind of mileage doesn’t come easy.
For now, though, the record - and the spotlight - belongs to Kane. He now ranks fourth among all active NHL players in points, trailing only Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, and Evgeni Malkin. And with the way he’s producing, Kane could very well surpass the 1,400-point mark before this season’s out - and possibly catch Malkin in the process.
While Team USA appears to be moving into a new generation ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics - with Kane not expected to suit up - his legacy is already firmly established. From his rookie season in 2007 to tonight’s historic achievement, Kane has been a defining figure in American hockey. He’s inspired a generation, delivered in the biggest moments, and now stands alone atop the list of U.S.-born point producers.
Tonight wasn’t just another stat line. It was a celebration of a career that’s changed the game - and a reminder that even in the twilight of his career, Patrick Kane still has more to give.