Feature photo: Getty Images

The friendship between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat is being passed down to the next generation.

Teammates during their time with the Chicago Blackhawks, and now reunited as members of the Detroit Red Wings, 36-year-old Kane, in his 18th NHL season, and 26-year-old-year DeBrincat, skating in his eighth NHL campaign, have developed a strong friendship over the years.

Following in their father’s footsteps, two-year-old Archie DeBrincat and four-year-old Patrick Kane III are forming a special bond of their own.

Case in point, a recent video shared by the Red Wings, in which Patrik III shows DeBrincat his new jersey with No. 83 on the back – an homage to Kane’s No. 88 and DeBrincat’s No. 93.

“That was awesome,” Alex, who also has a young daughter, Maverick, told NHLPA.com.

“I think that idea came from Kaner’s kid. For a while, he was 88 and then he changed his number to 93 for me, and then he got middle ground and went for 83 – I think it was all Patrick III’s idea.

“His birthday was the other week, so I think they got him that jersey. I think that is his prized possession.”

Patrick, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and 2016 Ted Lindsay Award recipient, has enjoyed watching the two boys continue to grow their love of the game.

“It’s fun to see Patrick and Archie enjoy coming to the games so much,” said the NHL veteran of over 1,200 regular-season games. “It’s such a great privilege the Red Wings allow them to be outside the locker room when we come back for warmups and give the players fist bumps. 

“I know Patrick enjoys it so much and looks forward to every game he can come to. And the next day when I ask him what his favourite part of the game was, he always says, ‘playing hockey with my friend Archie.’”

Like sons, like fathers.

The forwards played together from 2017 to 2022 in Chicago, before Alex was traded to Ottawa in July 2022.

Alex, who was selected 39th overall by Chicago in the 2016 NHL Draft, played an integral role in convincing his former teammate to sign with the Red Wings, which Patrick did last November.

“He’s fun to be around,” said DeBrincat. “He’s a funny guy who is always joking around.

“As a teammate, he is a good leader – he brings that experience and wisdom to the team. There are a lot of different things that he excels at. He’s won almost everything you can win and from my personal experience, it’s cool to learn from him.

“He is always working on his game and always trying to elevate what he does.”

Kane doles out similarly high praise for DeBrincat.

“Obviously, Alex and I played together in Chicago, and I felt like I took a liking to him right away.

“We didn’t play much together his first year, but I felt like we built a friendship off the ice.

“Then when we started playing together, it was almost instant chemistry. It was fun building our games and bringing the best out in each other.”

It is still very much the same in Detroit.

“Patrick has taught me so much since I came into the league, and he still does to this day,” said Alex. “I appreciate the friendship we have.”

Just like Archie and Patrick III enjoy theirs.

“They are just two young kids who love hockey and get fired up when they see the players,” said Alex.

“It’s cool to have them enjoy it and get excited when they see us come off the ice. It’s been a blast to see them play together and have fun.”

Hockey games between fathers and sons have become a regular occurrence, as has the occasional sleepover. 

“When Patrick and I get together, and the kids are there, it turns into a two-on-two game,” said Alex.

“It’s more of them trying to get the puck and ripping it in the net. Maybe soon we can get an organized game going.”

Having that shared time is the biggest win for both players.

“It’s awesome,” said Alex. “It brings you closer and it’s cool for us to hang out as families.

“It’s nice to see that the friendship Patrick and I have has been passed down to our boys.”

Patrick is similarly grateful.

“Now, with Archie and Patrick growing up, it’s fun to watch their friendship grow and how much fun they have with one another. 

“It’s been great for all of us.”