30 best NHL players of the 21st century: 13. Patrick Kane
Going right back to the Chicago Blackhawks well, Patrick Kane was one of the best scorers of this generation, and at 32 years old, he still should have some star-level years under his belt. He was incredibly productive from the get-go, winning the Calder Trophy after a 72-point rookie season in 2007-08.
He never really let up. Outside of the lockout-shortened season, he’s had at least 60 points every season, and he’s broken the 100-point plateau twice. He’s been able to be the top scorer on a dynasty team. Last season, he was also incredible, despite the Blackhawks’ season going down the tubes. He had 84 points in 70 games, which means he was on a 98-point pace, and with a little extra effort could have had his third 100-point season.
This season, he’s on a 113-point pace, which would be his career high. He’s still putting up huge points despite being in the league for 14 years already.
Kane has more than 1,000 points already. He’s still young enough to put another few hundred more under his belt. He won the Hart Trophy in 2016, won three Stanley Cup Championships, was the Conn Smythe winner in 2013, and has more than a point per game over his career. He’d have to play 62 straight games without a point to have less than a point per game for his career. That’s almost an entire season.
Kane is one of the best scorers of this generation, and he’s continuing his excellence well into his 30s. Before it’s all said and done, he should be able to move into the top 10.