Today, Patrick Kane is a safe bet for the Hall of Fame the moment he decides to retire. But even as a kid, he stood out among his peers. One time, agent Pat Brisson went to watch Kane play and was completely stunned by his talent.
Patrick Kane is one of the greatest players of his generation. He is the highest-scoring American-born player ever and a lock for the Hall of Fame when he hangs up his skates. His trophy cabinet is filled to the brim, including three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Hart Trophy, an Art Ross Trophy, and a Calder Trophy. His Chicago Blackhawks jersey will also probably hang in the rafters one day.
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Went to watch Patrick Kane
Born in Buffalo, Patrick Kane chose to play one season in the OHL with the London Knights during the 2006–2007 season. Highly respected agent Pat Brisson went to watch him. Over the years, Brisson has represented numerous generational talents, including Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux, Chris Chelios, Martin Brodeur, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane. At the time, Sidney Crosby was living with Mario Lemieux in Pittsburgh. During one of his visits there, Brisson decided to make the trip to London to watch Kane play.
Pat Brisson’s first thought
Appearing as a guest on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Brisson recalled what he thought the first time he saw Patrick Kane.
“I do remember, I used to spend more time in Pittsburgh—Sidney lived with Mario. I went to see Kane play in London. He scored a goal. He comes into the slot, about 15 feet out. You know when you have an orange ball on your stick, and it feels like it can go wherever you want because it’s so light? He’s got the puck and roofs it top shelf—not moving his body, just like that. And I’m like, ‘I don’t know if people just saw what I saw,’” Brisson said on the podcast.
”This is sick!”
Brisson then returned to Pittsburgh and told Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby what he had witnessed.
“So I came back and went to dinner at Mario’s house. We’re downstairs—it’s a great scene. Sid is sitting there with Mario, two legends. And I walk in and say, ‘Guys, I just saw a kid play last night. He did something I’m not even sure any of you can do with the puck.’ They both looked at me. I said, ‘Guys, what I just f*cking witnessed—this is sick!’ And Kane became the kind of player a 15-year-old kid wants to watch because of the way he plays the game,” Brisson said.
You can watch the interview below.
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