Patrick Kane Sets New NHL Points Record For U.S.-Born Players

Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena was buzzing with anticipation on January 29, 2026, as the Detroit Red Wings faced off against the Washington Capitals. But the usual tension of an NHL regular season game was electrified by a historic chase—Patrick Kane, the Red Wings’ dynamic forward, stood on the cusp of rewriting American hockey history. And rewrite it he did, becoming the highest-scoring United States-born player in NHL history with his 1,375th career point, a mark that eclipsed the legendary Mike Modano’s long-standing record.

The milestone moment unfolded midway through the second period, with the Red Wings trailing. Kane, always the playmaker, controlled the puck deep along the left boards. He slid a deft pass to longtime teammate Alex DeBrincat, who spun away from his defender and found Ben Chiarot at the blue line. Chiarot unleashed a booming one-timer, threading the puck past Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren to tie the game at 1-1. The arena erupted. Kane, grinning ear to ear, embraced Chiarot as the Red Wings bench emptied in a spontaneous celebration. The crowd’s roar swelled as Kane raised his stick in salute, his image splashed across the videoboards with an American flag and the number 1,375 shining behind him.

It was a scene years in the making. Mike Modano, who had held the U.S.-born scoring record for more than 18 years, offered a heartfelt tribute in a prerecorded message: “I knew at an early age in your career you would be the one chasing this number down and here we are. Continue on and make this number harder for the next guy.” Kane’s accomplishment was all the more remarkable considering he reached the milestone just months after turning 37—three years younger than Modano was when he set the previous record.

“It’s nice to have it over with in some ways and worry about the rest of the season,” Kane said after the game, which ended in a 4-3 shootout win for Washington. But the result was almost an afterthought on a night that belonged to Kane and American hockey history.

For Kane, this was hardly the only milestone of a storied career. Earlier in January 2026, he became the 50th player—and only the fifth American—to score 500 NHL goals, notching the historic tally into an empty net against the Vancouver Canucks. Kane’s 500 goals and 875 assists now make up his 1,375 points, achieved in 1,342 games spanning 19 NHL seasons. His journey began as the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL draft, selected by the Chicago Blackhawks after a dazzling junior season with the London Knights. He debuted that fall, immediately making his mark by winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2007-08.

Over 16 seasons with Chicago, Kane became synonymous with Blackhawks hockey, helping lead the team to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He collected individual honors along the way, including the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2013 and the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2015-16, when he also captured the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer. His 1,225 points as a Blackhawk are a franchise legacy in their own right.

Yet, Kane’s path hasn’t been without adversity. After a brief and injury-hampered stint with the New York Rangers in 2023, he underwent major hip surgery—an operation that cast doubt on his future. But Kane’s resilience shone through. Signed by Detroit in November 2023 to a one-year deal, he revitalized his career, tallying 20 goals and 47 points in just 50 games that season. According to teammate Andrew Copp, “He’s super dedicated, does all the right things on and off the ice. No one had ever come back from that, but I knew if there was one guy that could do it, it would be him.”

Kane’s resurgence with the Red Wings has been a boon for both player and team. He’s since inked consecutive one-year contracts through 2025, amassing 138 points in Detroit colors and earning the admiration of a new generation of fans. His leadership and trademark creativity continue to inspire teammates, including Alex DeBrincat, who played a key role in recruiting Kane to Detroit after their successful partnership in Chicago.

The significance of Kane’s record is not lost on the broader hockey community. For decades, Mike Modano’s name was synonymous with American hockey greatness. Now, Kane’s blend of skill, vision, and flair has set a new standard. “When you think of USA Hockey, he’s one of the first players that comes to mind, if not the first player,” said fellow American Jack Eichel. “Such a great representation of USA Hockey and us Americans—something for a lot of the guys that came after him to strive to be, myself included.”

Younger stars have watched Kane redefine what’s possible for American players. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy recalled, “His type of player just transcends now, when back then there wasn’t anybody that was really doing that. He changed the game of hockey. He’s an absolute legend.” Jack Hughes, another rising U.S. star, added, “He’s well on his way to being the best USA player of all time.”

Kane’s impact is measured not just in numbers, but in the way he’s inspired a generation. His highlight-reel goals, slick hands, and infectious passion for the game have made him a role model. “He’s maybe got the best highlight reel of all time,” Hughes said. “Just as a kid, you watch all of his videos and everything, and you’re like, that’s the guy you want to be just because of how skilled he is.”

Even as the NHL’s all-time points record remains far out of reach—Canadian Wayne Gretzky holds that with an astonishing 2,857—Kane’s place in American hockey lore is secure. He now sits fourth among active NHL players in career points, and his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame is all but guaranteed in his first year of eligibility.

On a night when the scoreboard favored Washington, the spotlight was unmistakably on Patrick Kane. His journey from Buffalo to Chicago, New York, and now Detroit has been marked by brilliance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. The echoes of the crowd’s cheers and the sight of Kane raising his stick in gratitude will linger long after the final horn, a testament to a career—and a record—that may stand for years to come.