Detroit Red Wings star right winger Patrick Kane is off to a solid start to the season, posting six assists and eight points in 12 games this year.

Kane is an intriguing figure for many reasons, most notably his eligibility to represent Team USA at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Does Kane deserve to be on the American team? Let’s look at some pros and cons of including him on the roster.

From a positive perspective, the 35-year-old Kane has a terrific hockey pedigree. He’s won three Stanley Cups, an Olympic silver medal in 2010, a Hart Trophy winner as NHL MVP, an Art Ross Trophy winner as the league’s top point-getter, a Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie and a Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP. There are few more decorated players than Kane right now. Team USA would benefit from his professionalism, experience, leadership and delivery of excellent results on the biggest stages in the hockey world.

Kane’s strong start to the season has also changed our minds somewhat about his place at the 4 Nations Face-Off. When we put together our picks for the American roster in September 2023, we left Kane off the roster in favor of Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk, Detroit’s Alex DeBrincat, Utah’s Clayton Keller and Buffalo’s Alex Tuch. If we were posting that same column today, we’d be tempted to leave Tuch off the roster and insert Kane in his place. Even at his advanced age, Kane can play any role, and his experience would be second to none.

On the other hand, from a strictly selfish perspective, the Red Wings might quietly prefer Kane to take time off during the 4 Nations Face-Off.

For one thing, he’d be avoiding injury playing in a highly charged tournament, and he’d also be conserving his energy as Detroit prepares to push hard for a playoff spot in the competitive Atlantic Division.

Of course, Kane would be disappointed if he were left off the American roster, but the U.S. roster would be so deep and talented that they wouldn’t need Kane as part of the team.

The American team should be co-favorites with Canada to win the 4 Nations Face-Off, and Kane would no doubt be thrilled to add to his legacy by being part of a tournament-winning squad. But he’s not a lock to be on the USA roster as things stand. His performance in the next few weeks could ultimately dictate whether he’s named to Team USA or if he gets a vacation in February and watches the games unfold.

Deciding whether or not to include Kane will not be a no-brainer for USA GM Bill Guerin. But Kane can make Guerin’s decision much easier if he has more big nights on the ice before December. The Red Wings could use more offense from their top players despite Kane's eight points, and getting closer to a point-per-game pace would be even better for everyone involved.

Kane is a likely Hockey Hall of Famer and one of the best American players of all-time, so you’d understand if Kane is included in the 4 Nations mix. But if Kane is left off the American roster and tries to prove the national team wrong during the regular season, it might be best for him and the Red Wings.

Either way, be sure to keep your eyes on Kane, as he's either going to be an important part of the mix in the 4 Nations Face-Off, or he'll be the center of a snub list if he's not on the team.

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