PUBLICATION
Sam Walker
February 22, 2026 (1:10 PM)
Photo credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Patrick Kane watched Team USA win Olympic gold without him, then fired off a classy message that still screamed frustration.
Team USA beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Sunday, ending the men’s gold drought that’s haunted American hockey since 1980.
Jack Hughes buried the golden goal, and Connor Hellebuyck stood on his head when Canada pushed.
That’s the exact kind of moment Kane has lived for his whole career, and it happened while he was at home.
Dylan Larkin was in the middle of it, wearing USA colors and doing the dirty work that wins tournaments.
Kane’s reaction came fast, and it was aimed straight at Larkin and the Hughes brothers.
“Congrats” sounds simple, but the subtext is loud when you remember Kane never made the roster.
Reports out of Detroit last month had Kane openly admitting the snub hurt, because of course it did.
Team USA’s official Olympic roster lists Larkin and Quinn Hughes, but Kane’s name is nowhere on it.
That’s why this tweet hit a nerve with fans, especially the ones who still see him as the American clutch guy.
Patrick Kane carries it back to Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings fans are proud of Larkin, but they’re also side-eyeing the decision that left Kane out when the games got tight.
Kane hasn’t been vintage every night this season, but he’s still producing, with 8-24-32 in 43 games.
Detroit sits 33-19-6 at the break, and the playoff runway is right there if the finish is sharp.
Kane’s cap hit is $3 million and he’s tracking toward UFA status again, so every big stretch-run shift matters.
If the snub fuels anything, it should show up on the man advantage, where his patience still bends coverage.
The Wings are back Thursday, and it will be hard not to watch Kane like he’s trying to prove a point on every touch.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
POLL
8 HOURS AGO|96 ANSWERS
Former Blackhawk Patrick Kane congratulates Team USA anyway, but the Olympic gold still stings
Should Patrick Kane have been on Team USA for Olympic gold with Dylan Larkin?