Lazerus thinks that Patrick Kane could be finished with the Blackhawks. Those trade talks may persist.
Advertisement
Kane hasn’t been charged in the case as officials with the Hamburg police and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate.
The eight-year, $84-million extension that Kane, 26, signed in summer 2014 kicks in for the upcoming 2015-’16 season. 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.
An ongoing police investigation involving Patrick Kane, reportedly centered around an allegation of rape, could compel the Blackhawks to trade the superstar winger.
The Blackhawks haven’t given any indication that they’re willing to take the significant step of considering a Kane trade yet. He had 27 goals and 37 assists in the 2014-’15 regular season and a team-high 23 points in the postseason as the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. This shows that Kane’s trade value around the league remains strong, however, even with the massive cap hit and legal questions surrounding him.
Advertisement
Citing an unnamed source, The Buffalo News reported last month that the alleged victim claims Kane followed her into a room at his Hamburg home before overpowering her and raping her. It would certainly hurt on the ice to lose his special talent.
