DETROIT – A 57-year-old and a 4-year-old will have a significant influence on whether Patrick Kane returns to the Detroit Red Wings. The older guy is coach Todd McLellan. Kane was struggling to find his game in late December. Then McLellan arrived and Kane prospered.

Kane had signed a prorated one-year contract last season, played well and showed no adverse signs of hip resurfacing surgery, but talked hesitantly about his future with the Wings. The prevailing thought was, there was likely no future with the Wings.

Veteran Patrick Kane has made it clear there is mutual interest between him and the Detroit Red Wings to sign an extension.