It seems the ongoing rape investigation into Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane caused quite a stir amongst NHL front offices. No, not out of surprise and concern over what will become of one of the NHL's hottest young stars - instead, it seems many teams saw the Buffalo News report of Kane's alleged transgression and determined that it was an opportunity to potentially bolster their roster. "At least five" teams came calling on Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman after the investigation involving Kane was reported, according to Mike Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times. And perhaps most interestingly, the talk of a potential Kane trade may not dissipate any time soon, as Lazerus also reports that the Hawks feel "disrespected" by the position Kane has put them in and that the organization has "run out of patience" with their young star.
"At least five teams contacted the Hawks once the Buffalo News first reported the investigation - which involves Kane and a woman at his Hamburg home - and said they'd be willing trade partners should the Hawks decide to cut ties with their superstar winger, according to a league source."
Kane, 26, is slated to enter the first season of a mammoth eight-year $84 million contract he signed last offseason. Along with fellow Hawks star, captain Jonathan Toews, who received a matching deal at the same time as Kane, the elite scoring and sure-handed Kane comprises a top Hawks core that has now brought three out of last six Stanley Cups home to Chicago. Keeping Kane and Toews was clearly a priority for Bowman, though it has already created some difficult decisions for the franchise this offseason, most notably in the cases of Johnny Oduya, Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp.
This past season for the Blackhawks Kane potted 27 goals and added 37 assists in 61 regular season games. During the Hawks postseason run to the Cup, he found the net 11 more times and gathered 12 more assists.
While Kane has not yet been charged with a crime, the investigation into the alleged rape of a woman at his offseason home in Hamburg, NY is already a serious blemish on what has been an, at times troublesome, but wholly successful early NHL career for Kane.
It's entirely possible that nothing will come of this and Kane will simply avoid charges and return to the ice next season and resume his role alongside Toews on the top line for Chicago. But it's also entirely possible that Kane's Blackhawks tenure is near its close and that his NHL career could also be in jeopardy.
