Will Patrick Kane attend Blackhawks camp?

We’ve previously shared on the Patrick Kane situation.  And we’ve also tried to stay out of the non-hockey side of the story.  (Plenty of others are serving it up…)

As Blackhawks’ camp approaches, the million dollar question is: Will Patrick Kane participate?

Now that the proceedings have been pushed out, it certainly is possible.  And maybe even likely.

What do the Blackhawks have to say?

The Chicago Tribune shared these words:

“I don’t have an answer to that question,” Blackhawks spokesman Brandon Faber said.

Faber would confirm all the other players — about 30 of them — are expected to attend preseason camp at the University of Notre Dame on Sept. 18. And that’s because, as Faber pointed out, none of them are involved in a criminal investigation like Kane.

The team’s reticence reflects the difficult situation facing the image-conscious Blackhawks, who sources say have grown tired of Kane’s off-ice behavior, while being equally reluctant to burn the superstar who has helped win three championships and has an $84 million contract. Sources say the team has mulled a number of options, including permitting Kane to take a personal leave of absence until the matter is settled.

A source also has told the Tribune that several teams have contacted the Blackhawks to inquire about a possible trade. However, it’s unlikely such a deal would happen before the criminal investigation is completed.

Practices at the preseason training camp — three days in South Bend, Ind. — are open to the public, meaning Kane would inevitably face questions from a horde of news reporters. Kane, 26, has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and he has not spoken publicly about the allegations.

Still, he appears to be preparing for the coming season, as neighbors frequently have spotted him working out in the yard of his lakefront mansion in Hamburg, N.Y., which includes a basketball court outfitted with hockey goals.

Kane’s attorney Paul Cambria and agent, Pat Brisson, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
But the winger’s presence — or absence — at preseason camp would serve as the Blackhawks’ loudest statement on Kane since police began investigating the sexual assault allegation against him. The team and NHL have issued only terse statements acknowledging the investigation. Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz has said he’s “disappointed but hopeful” about the situation.

On Friday, a source close to Wirtz said the chairman is “watching and waiting until all of the facts bear out.”

Commissioner Gary Bettman has the right to suspend a player under criminal investigation if allowing the player to take the ice would “create a substantial risk of material harm to the legitimate interests and/or reputation of the League,” according to the collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and its players. A league spokesman declined comment on Kane’s status Friday, saying there are still two weeks before camp starts.

Bettman has never exercised that option on a player without criminal charges being filed first.

Time will tell…