He can either report what his sources tell him and generate some discussion here or not report it and leave us with nothing. Isn't it obvious that not all rumors turn into reality (and sometimes what happens in reality was never rumored?) That's all part of what this is.
- matt_ahrens

Sure, but some rumors have a lot more merit than others. If a source presents information that doesn't seem credible and doesn't have any independent source confirmation, then it is unreliable.

If Kane is exonerated/not charged, it would be monumentally stupid to get rid of him. Especially if the circumstances surrounding this were in any way found to be nefarious on the part of the accuser to extort money from Kane. For the team not to stand behind him in that scenario would just be wrong on so many levels.

If charged, it all takes care of itself and his career is finished. Deservedly so.

I think there is a great deal of truth in the statement that without him, absent signing a guy like Stamkos for example to replace him, the chances of winning another cup very soon are pretty slim. This brand's success comes from winning. Imagine the PR hit the team takes by NOT supporting someone not charged/found innocent....

No doubt all scenarios are on the table, as they should be, since as of now, no one knows the facts. But any outcome that finds him innocent/not charged but let go via trade or contract termination would just be dumb.
- Return of the Roar

Love this post, very well said.

This Hawks organization is in an INCREDIBLY unique spot. They are a sports franchise in the midst of a dynasty in the making. The ultimate once in a life time dream of running a team. The front office must put winning and icing the team with the most quality in front of other things, things that your typical franchise(not in the midst of a dynasty in the making) might want to make statements with to establish their brand(such as trading or suspending a star player with off ice issues).

Again, this is such a rare, RARE opportunity as a sports franchise.

And my main point is....KANE PUT US ON THE MAP(or was at least the co-face of the resurrection and dawning of this new "golden" era in Hawks hockey)....and, we as fans and the organization/front office as a whole owe it to him to give him yet another chance, stand by his side, and give him the opportunity to publicly apologize from the distraction and admit to wanting to change his lifestyle off the ice. He deserves our support IMO.

The second that happens(assuming of course that he isn't charged/convicted and the case goes away), ALL THAT WILL MATTER IN TERMS OF COMPLETELY RESTORING BOTH THE HAWKS AS A TEAM AND KANE'S INDIVIDUAL MARKETABILITY AND IMAGE WILL BE WINNING. That is it. That is all. If the fans see Kaner being Kaner, showing up to work, doing his job....and leading the Hawks in scoring(or among the leaders) as the Hawks remain an elite team out West contending for a top 1-4 playoff spot then NOBODY WILL REGRET US KEEPING HIM BECAUSE OF THIS RECENT OFFSEASON DISTRACTION OR ANYTHING HE HAS DONE COLLECTIVELY OFF ICE OVER THE PAST 6-7 YEARS.

Unique situation.

Kane is unique player.

Once in a lifetime chance to sustain a dynasty(Any Kane trade would only make the team worse and the slightest of steps back will put an end to our alpha dog status) is worth putting up with Kanes off ice antics as long as he continues to show up and deliver for the team.

Has he ever showed up to any team function drunk or hung over? Ever any rifts in the locker room over his drinking or being drunk while with the team? Playing drunk/hungover/high/whatever and performing below his standards?

He has ALWAYS shown up to work and made this golden era what it is, and the fans and front office owe it to him because of that, the owe him another chance and should publicly stand by his side in hopes that the Hawks can just keep on winning and keep the brand alive.

Imagine sustaining the brand and keeping fans happy by trying to explain a trade that makes the team worse if Kane isn't even charged with a crime.

Now THAT would a be a distraction and a major dent in the Hawks image/ability to make the most of WIN NOW MODE.

You don't have to, you aren't paying (I assume), hundreds & thousands of $ in sponsorship. Your partner/wife/girlfriend probably doesn't care about what impact Patrick Kane has on anything.

Major contributors do, their wives/partners do. In the high end business world where a lot of people don't care about hockey some probably don't even know what it is, the name Patrick Kane is toxic. The stories that are currently circulating would be devastating to 'some' parts of society & 100% in the business world.

Now that's just my opinion so dismiss it if you want to, but from my experiences (I'm not in my 20's or 30's), it's a reality.
- Aussiepenguin

The business world of sports thrives on winning, putting fans in those seats and watching on TV, and buying into the post season success and the attention it receives.

Trading Kane would result in fewer wins and a weaker team. The business/brand/ability to sustain the dynasty(rarest opportunity if all of sports) would all take a major hit and fans would all be confused/frustrated/borderline angry. If Kane stays and the Hawks keep winning the sponsors will remain and the brand will stay in tact. Simple as that. The business will flourish if they stand by his side and continue to be the leagues best, most marketable, and most recognizable team.

The business world of sports thrives on winning, putting fans in those seats and watching on TV, and buying into the post season success and the attention it receives.

Trading Kane would result in fewer wins and a weaker team. The business/brand/ability to sustain the dynasty(rarest opportunity if all of sports) would all take a major hit and fans would all be confused/frustrated/borderline angry. If Kane stays and the Hawks keep winning the sponsors will remain and the brand will stay in tact. Simple as that. The business will flourish if they stand by his side and continue to be the leagues best, most marketable, and most recognizable team.
- SimpleJack

The business world doesn't revolve around sport. I disagree with your comment stating organisations that haven't won for years still having a successful organisation. Winning isn't everything but integrity is.

Your comment is a little inebriated by 'koolaid'.

The business world doesn't revolve around sport. I disagree with your comment stating organisations that haven't won for years still having a successful organisation. Winning isn't everything but integrity is.

Your comment is a little inebriated by 'koolaid'.
- Aussiepenguin

Not in this particular business(which is sports....), not with the incredibly unique situation this particular Hawks team is in to potentially(by keeping Kane) sell a dynasty brand that would be the ultimate marketing machine. Thats the point im making.

Not in this particular business(which is sports....), not with the incredibly unique situation this particular Hawks team is in to potentially(by keeping Kane) sell a dynasty brand that would be the ultimate marketing machine. Thats the point im making.
- SimpleJack

The business you are talking about has sponsors. The sponsors are I imagine built around things other than ice hockey. The sponsors business is getting it's publicity from a business that is a sporting organisation that is a team sport that is the current Stanley cup champions. Now that team has had a large turnover in personnel & is not the same team. There is no guarantee that the organisation will win next year but is getting great publicity for being the champions & are probably well prepared to continue their relationship due to past results without expectation of winning again. The organisation & their sponsors (if they chose to promote themselves with the Hawks), are also receiving a lot of negative publicity due to the allegations against Kane. Now how the organisation manages what has occurred will also attract publicity, & if that is negative publicity the sponsors that do not rely on the sport may withdraw their money & sponsor a different organisation that may not be a sport. Tiger Woods is probably a good example of this.

A sponsor that wants positive publicity will support an organisation that has strong social ethics & good reputation over an organisation with questionable ethics that receive negative publicity with a 'try & win no matter what' attitude.

Apart from that just to elaborate, to be successful in business you don't have to win. To be successful in sport you do. A hockey organisation is a business & doesn't have to win to be a success. A good business reputation is easy to lose & a lot harder to gain.

Hence my comment business is not a sport.

Sure, but some rumors have a lot more merit than others. If a source presents information that doesn't seem credible and doesn't have any independent source confirmation, then it is unreliable.
- jfkst1

But we're discussing "rumors", not facts...so why get hinky? If a "rumor" has confirmation, then it's really no longer a rumor.

This is hockeybuzzz...a rumor site...not journalism.

But we're discussing "rumors", not facts...so why get hinky? If a "rumor" has confirmation, then it's really no longer a rumor.

This is hockeybuzzz...a rumor site...not journalism.
- ArlingtonRob

Isn't everything on here fact?

Isn't everything on here fact?
- Aussiepenguin

Absolutely. It is on the interwebs after all. [redfont]

The business you are talking about has sponsors. The sponsors are I imagine built around things other than ice hockey. The sponsors business is getting it's publicity from a business that is a sporting organisation that is a team sport that is the current Stanley cup champions. Now that team has had a large turnover in personnel & is not the same team. There is no guarantee that the organisation will win next year but is getting great publicity for being the champions & are probably well prepared to continue their relationship due to past results without expectation of winning again. The organisation & their sponsors (if they chose to promote themselves with the Hawks), are also receiving a lot of negative publicity due to the allegations against Kane. Now how the organisation manages what has occurred will also attract publicity, & if that is negative publicity the sponsors that do not rely on the sport may withdraw their money & sponsor a different organisation that may not be a sport. Tiger Woods is probably a good example of this.

A sponsor that wants positive publicity will support an organisation that has strong social ethics & good reputation over an organisation with questionable ethics that receive negative publicity with a 'try & win no matter what' attitude.

Apart from that just to elaborate, to be successful in business you don't have to win. To be successful in sport you do. A hockey organisation is a business & doesn't have to win to be a success. A good business reputation is easy to lose & a lot harder to gain.

Hence my comment business is not a sport.
- Aussiepenguin

But this "business" model also has a captain named Toews. And his image and ethics can overcome all.

Let's be honest here, JJ also said sharp was going for a 1st and a top young roster player.
- Isles_since_6

As the other poster stated JJ relays to us what he hears from his sources. He at times will state that he doesn't see how the rumor works/makes sense. But he reports it anyways. A lot of people have been here before trying to discount his sources, And dismiss them when he wont share whom the source is. I choose to believe that he has these sources, And it makes perfect sense to me that if he was to disclose whom this source was, He would no longer have said source. JJ does an excellent job with his blogs, He is one of the few HB bloggers to put out timely blogs for us to enjoy. And I am thankful that we have him as our blogger.

Love this post, very well said.

This Hawks organization is in an INCREDIBLY unique spot. They are a sports franchise in the midst of a dynasty in the making. The ultimate once in a life time dream of running a team. The front office must put winning and icing the team with the most quality in front of other things, things that your typical franchise(not in the midst of a dynasty in the making) might want to make statements with to establish their brand(such as trading or suspending a star player with off ice issues).

Again, this is such a rare, RARE opportunity as a sports franchise.

And my main point is....KANE PUT US ON THE MAP(or was at least the co-face of the resurrection and dawning of this new "golden" era in Hawks hockey)....and, we as fans and the organization/front office as a whole owe it to him to give him yet another chance, stand by his side, and give him the opportunity to publicly apologize from the distraction and admit to wanting to change his lifestyle off the ice. He deserves our support IMO.

The second that happens(assuming of course that he isn't charged/convicted and the case goes away), ALL THAT WILL MATTER IN TERMS OF COMPLETELY RESTORING BOTH THE HAWKS AS A TEAM AND KANE'S INDIVIDUAL MARKETABILITY AND IMAGE WILL BE WINNING. That is it. That is all. If the fans see Kaner being Kaner, showing up to work, doing his job....and leading the Hawks in scoring(or among the leaders) as the Hawks remain an elite team out West contending for a top 1-4 playoff spot then NOBODY WILL REGRET US KEEPING HIM BECAUSE OF THIS RECENT OFFSEASON DISTRACTION OR ANYTHING HE HAS DONE COLLECTIVELY OFF ICE OVE







Unique situation.

Kane is unique player.

Once in a lifetime chance to sustain a dynasty(Any Kane trade would only make the team worse and the slightest of steps back will put an end to our alpha dog status) is worth putting up with Kanes off ice antics as long as he continues to show up and deliver for the team.

Has he ever showed up to any team function drunk or hung over? Ever any rifts in the locker room over his drinking or being drunk while with the team? Playing drunk/hungover/high/whatever and performing below his standards?

He has ALWAYS shown up to work and made this golden era what it is, and the fans and front office owe it to him because of that, the owe him another chance and should publicly stand by his side in hopes that the Hawks can just keep on winning and keep the brand alive.

Imagine sustaining the brand and keeping fans happy by trying to explain a trade that makes the team worse if Kane isn't even charged with a crime.

Now THAT would a be a distraction and a major dent in the Hawks image/ability to make the most of WIN NOW MODE.
- SimpleJack

I don't think the Hawks or their fans owe Kane anything when he continues to embarrass himself and the organization. I realize that this is still an ongoing investigation and even if there are no charges filed he has a history of bad behavior that never seems to go away. The Hawks have a lot of money invested in him and should be concerned. They had to trade a lot of talent to pay him. They may want to consider moving him if they can get a good return. Can they take the risk that even if he is not charged in this case that he won't get himself in some other mess? It's a tough call to make.

But this "business" model also has a captain named Toews. And his image and ethics can overcome all.
- camfor

Only as strong as your weakest link.

JJ,


Nice blog.....

Interesting factor, a name I kept hearing for some time now has been Ryan Murphy, the D spec from CAR. Heard the kid asked for a trade and was wondering if he's the undisclosed spec being involved in the rumors....???


To others, please put to rest of Hanifan being discussed, seriously...

Only as strong as your weakest link.
- Aussiepenguin

Looks like the Pens aren't going all the way yet again then.
(just my opinion, choose to disregard if you like)

So we're back to Kane the player vs. Kane the person. No question Kane's a top 3 -4-5 talent in the league with great hands...and is a critical part of the Hawks on ice success. But is he worth the headache? That's what the FO is running through with all their scenarios right now.

Again whether charged or not he's already being/been judged in the court of public opinion.

I think as Al mentions he's suspended by the team before we get to camp. There's no way they want this distraction at camp and going into the season. With the prosecutor in NY having a what 98% conviction rate, and seeking higher office he won't do anything until he's got all his ducks in a row and that could take months and then he might not charge him...meantime this thing hangs over the Hawks and will come up in every presser/interview anyone on the team does when the season starts...

This was a great summer with the 3rd Cup in 6 years and Kane washed that right down the crapper.

Thanks for sharing JJ. I would imagine the high salary player in the Canes deal is not Hossa as some here speculate. My thought is Daley or Seabrook, the latter being if negotiations are going no where with #7. I doubt the Hawks get Ehlers but also never saw stan getting dano. I would think morrisey is the jets prospect.

Seems like all this speculation is centered around a kane suspension. If that doesnt happen and hawks sell, sell, sell, who know what this team will look like in the fall.

Looks like the Pens aren't going all the way yet again then.
(just my opinion, choose to disregard if you like)
- camfor

As it's only August - I think I'll disregard! But I hope you're wrong.

You don't have to, you aren't paying (I assume), hundreds & thousands of $ in sponsorship. Your partner/wife/girlfriend probably doesn't care about what impact Patrick Kane has on anything.

Major contributors do, their wives/partners do. In the high end business world where a lot of people don't care about hockey some probably don't even know what it is, the name Patrick Kane is toxic. The stories that are currently circulating would be devastating to 'some' parts of society & 100% in the business world.

Now that's just my opinion so dismiss it if you want to, but from my experiences (I'm not in my 20's or 30's), it's a reality.
- Aussiepenguin

All I have as a response is kobe Bryant, drew doughty, Ben roethlisberger

People talk about him moving on for a change of scenery which is interesting as his troubles happen away from Chicago.

If he isn't charged and innocent "by law" of any wrong doing, I still see him the possibility of him being in Chicago. I get the image thing for the Hawks I really do, and they don't want to be embarrassed. But, they also know there is no substitute for winning. Can they get him in a program and publically make steps to get organized? It's still possible and we live in a forgiving culture, especially if he is cleared.

But do guys like 19, 2, 7, 4, 81 and others even want him around anymore? Another issue altogether.

This is all contingent on him not having committed a henoius crime which is still sickening to think that that's still on the table.

All rumors and predictions are out the window. Nobody will see what's coming next. Insane and the ultimate blemish on such a great run.
- acmidd28

Hello from Newfoundland. I too have been wondering how the other star players and his teammates are going to deal with the Kane issue.

Thanks for sharing JJ. I would imagine the high salary player in the Canes deal is not Hossa as some here speculate. My thought is Daley or Seabrook, the latter being if negotiations are going no where with #7. I doubt the Hawks get Ehlers but also never saw stan getting dano. I would think morrisey is the jets prospect.

Seems like all this speculation is centered around a kane suspension. If that doesnt happen and hawks sell, sell, sell, who know what this team will look like in the fall.
- ikeane

Yeah, I agree that it probably isn't Hossa with the cap recapture penalty issue. Along with Daley or Seabrook, it could also be Anisimov. Who knows? Maybe nothing comes of it anyway.

I was overjoyed to read JJ's new blog because it contained trade rumors - i.e. hockey talk not necessarily all about the Kane situation. However, it is a good illustration on just how much the Kane situation is intertwined with everything else the Hawks could or should do. There's just no getting away from it ... unfortunately. I don't mind the Kane talk when it's part of the larger conversation - only when it becomes the raison d'etre to post here, i.e. rehashed opinion and troll witticisms.

Hello from Newfoundland. I too have been wondering how the other star players and his teammates are going to deal with the Kane issue.
- Mose_Ambrose

His team mates will look at him and basically call him a dumb ass for putting himself in that position, they basically will give him poop until someone else on the team does something stupid.

Trade him to the Kings. They'll terminate his contract..... No wait. They'll just let him allegedly keep raping.
- yzermaneely

Not only do you troll the Kings on the Kings blogs but you come in here with a rediculous comment on the Hawks blog trolling Kings.

Number one this is a horrible comment.

Number 2 your hatred for the Kings shows and it's pathetic.

I don't think the Hawks or their fans owe Kane anything when he continues to embarrass himself and the organization. I realize that this is still an ongoing investigation and even if there are no charges filed he has a history of bad behavior that never seems to go away. The Hawks have a lot of money invested in him and should be concerned. They had to trade a lot of talent to pay him. They may want to consider moving him if they can get a good return. Can they take the risk that even if he is not charged in this case that he won't get himself in some other mess? It's a tough call to make.
- jhawk159

He's helped to rebuild the Hawks into a dynasty, helped this organization FAR more than he's embarrassed it.

Love this post, very well said.

This Hawks organization is in an INCREDIBLY unique spot. They are a sports franchise in the midst of a dynasty in the making. The ultimate once in a life time dream of running a team. The front office must put winning and icing the team with the most quality in front of other things, things that your typical franchise(not in the midst of a dynasty in the making) might want to make statements with to establish their brand(such as trading or suspending a star player with off ice issues).

Again, this is such a rare, RARE opportunity as a sports franchise.

And my main point is....KANE PUT US ON THE MAP(or was at least the co-face of the resurrection and dawning of this new "golden" era in Hawks hockey)....and, we as fans and the organization/front office as a whole owe it to him to give him yet another chance, stand by his side, and give him the opportunity to publicly apologize from the distraction and admit to wanting to change his lifestyle off the ice. He deserves our support IMO.

The second that happens(assuming of course that he isn't charged/convicted and the case goes away), ALL THAT WILL MATTER IN TERMS OF COMPLETELY RESTORING BOTH THE HAWKS AS A TEAM AND KANE'S INDIVIDUAL MARKETABILITY AND IMAGE WILL BE WINNING. That is it. That is all. If the fans see Kaner being Kaner, showing up to work, doing his job....and leading the Hawks in scoring(or among the leaders) as the Hawks remain an elite team out West contending for a top 1-4 playoff spot then NOBODY WILL REGRET US KEEPING HIM BECAUSE OF THIS RECENT OFFSEASON DISTRACTION OR ANYTHING HE HAS DONE COLLECTIVELY OFF ICE OVER THE PAST 6-7 YEARS.

Unique situation.

Kane is unique player.

Once in a lifetime chance to sustain a dynasty(Any Kane trade would only make the team worse and the slightest of steps back will put an end to our alpha dog status) is worth putting up with Kanes off ice antics as long as he continues to show up and deliver for the team.

Has he ever showed up to any team function drunk or hung over? Ever any rifts in the locker room over his drinking or being drunk while with the team? Playing drunk/hungover/high/whatever and performing below his standards?

He has ALWAYS shown up to work and made this golden era what it is, and the fans and front office owe it to him because of that, the owe him another chance and should publicly stand by his side in hopes that the Hawks can just keep on winning and keep the brand alive.

Imagine sustaining the brand and keeping fans happy by trying to explain a trade that makes the team worse if Kane isn't even charged with a crime.

Now THAT would a be a distraction and a major dent in the Hawks image/ability to make the most of WIN NOW MODE.
- SimpleJack

Hockey wise Kane it's a dynamic player who makes everyone around him better just like the captain.

I agree with you no Kane no more cups. Remember ONE GOAL, if this in fact is their mantra they will swallow their indignation and keep Kane, unfortunately for the Hawks they are in a situation where they can't have their cake and eat it too.