Patrick Kane is currently expected to be in attendance when the Chicago Blackhawks open up their training camp on Friday, but nothing has been officially confirmed. Kane hasn’t formally been charged with a crime yet, so there’s no logistical or legal reason as to why Kane wouldn’t be in attendance. That being said, no official source has confirmed that the Blackhawks will allow Kane – and the distractions he brings with him – into training camp.
#Blackhawks still have no update as to whether Patrick Kane will be at training camp or not. Camp opens Friday at #NotreDame.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) September 14, 2015
An official decision is expected to come soon, but fans and analysts have already voiced their opinion. Kane needs to prepare for the new year, but it might be better for him to work on his own to limit the media circus in Chicago’s camp until his off-ice situation is resolved.
There's no good answer here. It's going to be a circus either way. But his presence, fairly or unfairly, will be a massive distraction.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) September 14, 2015
Even if Kane isn’t in attendance, it’s going to be a wild and crazy scene.
Kane and the Blackhawks have less than a month to prepare for the new season. Kane would benefit from practicing with his teammates, but he has enough pure skill to practice on his own and slide right in when the year starts.
Stay tuned. An official decision should come soon and it’s going to be met with a vocal reaction regardless of the direction.
(H/T NBC Sports)