“I’m sure I’ll just kind of explore the situation, talk to my agent, kind of go over everything and kind of see what makes sense,” Kane said. He didn’t rule out a return to the Red Wings, who signed him on Nov. 28 for the remainder of the season at a prorated $2.5 million.

Certainly as the Wings conducted exit interviews Thursday and broke into the offseason, Kane wouldn't tip his hand as to what his future holds. He can be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Patrick Kane's answers Thursday didn't inspire much confidence that his year in Detroit would turn into something longer-term.