Free agent Patrick Kane told The Associated Press that he’s skated about 20 times since undergoing hip surgery on June 1.

“It’s just exciting to see progress and feel better on the ice,” Kane said over the phone. I become a little myself again. »

The winner of three Stanley Cups will soon have a medical follow-up, during which he hopes to be authorized to train with contact.

Kane opted for surgery to repair a nagging injury that hampered him last season with the Chicago Blackhawks and then, after a trade, in the playoffs with the New York Rangers.

Although eager to return to play, Kane wants to stick to a six-month rehabilitation schedule.

“I could probably come back before, but would that be wise?” Kane said. It’s better to make sure I’m at 105 or 110%, instead of 90 or 95. But at least I feel a lot better than last season. »

As for where he will play, Kane remains patient. He expects to receive offers when NHL clubs begin training camps in three weeks.

Kane’s production plummeted last season, when he had 21 goals and 57 points in 73 games.

He was diminished, but also, he played the first 54 games with the Hawks, who are in reconstruction.

His production increased with the Rangers: five goals and 12 points in 19 regular season games, then a goal and six points in the first round against the New Jersey Devils, who fell Rangers in seven games.

Among American players in NHL history, the 34-year-old from Buffalo is second to Mike Modano with 1,237 points.

Kane was a key part of Chicago’s Cup wins in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He also won the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player in 2016.