Kane sets record for assists by U.S.-born player with helper on Bedard goal

CHICAGO -- Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane earned another career milestone Thursday night, becoming the NHL's career leader in assists among U.S.-born players. The 37-year-old from Buffalo, New York, earned his 895th career assist on Connor Bedard's game-opening power-play goal against the Winnipeg Jets. In doing so in his 1,377th game, Kane surpassed the American-born record held by defenseman Phil Housley, who had 894 assists in 1,496 games. Kane last year set the record for most points among American NHLers, with the assist now increasing his total to 1,404. He is fourth among U.S.-born players in goals with 509. Kane is in his 20th NHL season and signed a two-year contract in July to return to Chicago, where he won three Stanley Cups during his first 16 NHL seasons. He was selected first overall by Chicago in the 2007 draft, and was the NHL's MVP and leading scorer in 2016. Bedard was selected first overall by the Blackhawks in 2023. Thursday's opening goal made Kane and Bedard the second pair of No. 1 picks selected at least 15 years apart by the same franchise to factor on a goal together, joining Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux, who achieved the feat eight times. The Associated Press contributed to this report.