Patrick Kane Breaks American NHL Assist Record on Connor Bedard Goal

Patrick Kane recorded his 895th career assist on Thursday night, surpassing Phil Housley for the most helpers by a U.S.-born player in NHL history.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane became the NHL's all-time leader in assists among U.S.-born players on Thursday night. The 37-year-old Buffalo native recorded his 895th career helper during a game against the Winnipeg Jets, providing the primary assist on a game-opening power-play goal scored by Connor Bedard. Kane reached this milestone in his 1,377th career game, eclipsing the previous record of 894 assists held by defenseman Phil Housley, who played 1,496 games.

This achievement follows Kane's performance last season, where he established the record for most points among American players. His total career points now stand at 1,404, and he currently ranks fourth among U.S.-born players with 509 goals. The veteran forward is in his 20th NHL season and recently signed a two-year contract in July to return to the franchise where he won three Stanley Cups.

The scoring play featured a rare historical connection between two No. 1 overall picks. Kane, the top selection in 2007, and Bedard, the top pick in 2023, are only the second pair of No. 1 selections drafted at least 15 years apart by the same team to factor on a goal together. This feat was previously achieved eight times by Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kane was the NHL's leading scorer and MVP in 2016.