Olympic silver medalist, two-time Olympian and three-time Stanley Cup winner Patrick Kane is not done yet.

The U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Orientation Camp currently is underway in Plymouth, Michigan, and Kane was invited to join for the two-day event. While there’s no ice time or head-to-head competition, the Detroit Red Wings forward knows this is where the road to Milan Cortina 2026 officially begins. “Being here is obviously a good step to be at the orientation camp. I have to get off to a good start. Last year, I didn't get off to a good start and I wasn’t selected to the 4 Nations team,” Kane said.

The 36-year-old watched the 4 Nations Face-Off from Cabo, Mexico — not exactly a bad place to take in a hockey game but far from where he rather would have been. Now, he’s determined to be on the ice, representing Team USA in 2026 and he's not resting on his laurels. “I’ve proved myself as a player throughout the league, obviously, but also to the coaching staff and the management here that I could fit into the team for the Olympics,” Kane said.

Kane believes his solid finish last year helped get him back in the mix with 44 of the best NHL players — all competing for a roster spot to represent the U.S. for the first time since 2014 at the Olympic Games (NHL players haven't participated at the Olympics since Sochi). Though by all measurable accounts Kane has had a historic career, Olympic gold medalist is one title he’s well aware he hasn’t attained.

Kane keeps his Olympic silver medal in a safe at his home in Chicago. He checks it out every now and then along with his Stanley Cup rings. But, the shiny silver typically evokes one memory for the nine-time NHL All-Star: “When you look at the silver medal, the first thing you kind of think of is you wish you won gold, right? And what that memory brings back, but it's still cool to have all that stuff,” Kane said.

That would be a major understatement to most. However, one thing that’s not understated is the love and respect Kane’s fellow competitors have for him. Auston Matthews, who already has been named as one of the six initial players to the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey roster for 2026, called Kane an incredible person and says he's still one of his favorite players to watch today. “He's the greatest American born player to play, and I think his pedigree speaks for itself, and I've been fortunate to get to know him a lot, especially early on in my career, and skate with him and just try to kind of learn as much as I could. I've always wanted to play with him,” Matthews said.

Only 25 players will make the final cut for the official Olympic roster for the U.S., which will be named by Jan. 11. Kane wants not only a spot on the squad but also that elusive Olympic crown, which Team USA hasn't won since the "Miracle on Ice" of 45 years ago. “One of the things, I look at my career, you have team success with the Stanley Cups. You have individual success with certain awards and what you've accomplished throughout your career. But, the one thing that's kind of missing is a gold medal in best-on-best competition, right? So that'd be amazing to have the opportunity.” Kane said.

Olympic hockey kicks off in Milan Cortina on February 11, 2026.

*NBC Sports' Nick Zaccardi contributed to the writing of this article*