If Kane is not charged (read: innocent) and McD pushes to trade him over this, I hope he will own the consequences to the on ice product. This team will be net less competitive without Kane. And if the kid ended up being kinda sorta set up in this matter, which is as possible at this point of him being indicted, think about the message this will send to the other players - the team will not have your back if something is not your fault.

Amazing how judgmental everyone is not knowing the truth. Even more amazing that supposedly intelligent business executives are really that reactionary absent the facts.
- Return of the Roar

That would be a good point if this was the first time Kane has done something to embarrass the team - but the players know the score probably better than you and I do. We could turn your statement around and make the case that by ignoring this latest episode, the players may think the prima donna is being put before what's best for the team. If he's innocent almost doesn't matter from the team's perspective because he is a repeat offender in so far as doing embarrassing things that reflects badly on the organization. There comes a point when you can't continue to give more chances to someone with a problem or you're no better than an enabler. And this is coming from someone who hopes that somehow someway Kaner is a Blackhawk for at least the next 8 years.

If Kane is not charged (read: innocent) and McD pushes to trade him over this, I hope he will own the consequences to the on ice product. This team will be net less competitive without Kane. And if the kid ended up being kinda sorta set up in this matter, which is as possible at this point of him being indicted, think about the message this will send to the other players - the team will not have your back if something is not your fault.

Amazing how judgmental everyone is not knowing the truth. Even more amazing that supposedly intelligent business executives are really that reactionary absent the facts.
- Return of the Roar

Some one said it earlier, The Spin Doctors may be at work trying to clean up this mess if he is cleared. If he gets to stay ,I bet the Hawks put his ass out to dry by making him apologize to the fans in person, not thru a letter , apologize to mr. Wirtz and his team mates, seek professional help and volunteer to speak out in support of helping rape and sexual assault victims, plus the little SOB better stay in the house for awhile come nite time, cut the apron strings from mommy and daddy,. Actually , what should have happened to him early on in his drinking career to give him a dose of humility is, when he stepped out of line someone in one of these bars should have beat his ass to a pulp out in the parking lot instead of kissing his ass and condoning his behavior which most fans do with these athletes when the see them out in the bars.Kane may just survive all of this but not before he goes thru the ringers of public humiliation!

That would be a good point if this was the first time Kane has done something to embarrass the team - but the players know the score probably better than you and I do. We could turn your statement around and make the case that by ignoring this latest episode, the players may think the prima donna is being put before what's best for the team. If he's innocent almost doesn't matter from the team's perspective because he is a repeat offender in so far as doing embarrassing things that reflects badly on the organization. There comes a point when you can't continue to give more chances to someone with a problem or you're no better than an enabler. And this is coming from someone who hopes that somehow someway Kaner is a Blackhawk for at least the next 8 years.
- EbonyRaptor

Bingo.

Some one said it earlier, The Spin Doctors may be at work trying to clean up this mess if he is cleared. If he gets to stay ,I bet the Hawks put his ass out to dry by making him apologize to the fans in person, not thru a letter , apologize to mr. Wirtz and his team mates, seek professional help and volunteer to speak out in support of helping rape and sexual assault victims, plus the little SOB better stay in the house for awhile come nite time, cut the apron strings from mommy and daddy,. Actually , what should have happened to him early on in his drinking career to give him a dose of humility is, when he stepped out of line someone in one of these bars should have beat his ass to a pulp out in the parking lot instead of kissing his ass and condoning his behavior which most fans do with these athletes when the see them out in the bars.Kane may just survive all of this but not before he goes thru the ringers of public humiliation!
- wonthecup10

Remember the story of Sharp supposedly knocking Kaner out cold at a team dinner at a Chicago restaurant/bar before the 2013-14 playoffs started? Probably a true story that was hushed up and never hit the main media.

Some one said it earlier, The Spin Doctors may be at work trying to clean up this mess if he is cleared. If he gets to stay ,I bet the Hawks put his ass out to dry by making him apologize to the fans in person, not thru a letter , apologize to mr. Wirtz and his team mates, seek professional help and volunteer to speak out in support of helping rape and sexual assault victims, plus the little SOB better stay in the house for awhile come nite time, cut the apron strings from mommy and daddy,. Actually , what should have happened to him early on in his drinking career to give him a dose of humility is, when he stepped out of line someone in one of these bars should have beat his ass to a pulp out in the parking lot instead of kissing his ass and condoning his behavior which most fans do with these athletes when the see them out in the bars.Kane may just survive all of this but not before he goes thru the ringers of public humiliation!
- wonthecup10

Love your posts Sir. Keep 'em coming. You call it as you see it.

I think that is a real stretch to state "Immaturity / lack of discipline and alcohol abuse are probably the major reasons " Other than 2011/12 when he scored "only" 66 points in 82 games, all his other seasons have been very good. The main reason he hasn't hit 88 points again is because of injuries and the lockout season. He scored 55 points in 47 games in the lockout season which is a better ppg than his 88 point year. He scored 64 points in 61 games before he got his collar bone broken. And even the year in between he scored 69 points in 69 games - hardly a decline of play on the ice due to the reasons you cited. Even in his one "down" year where he scored only 66 points in 82 games - he had an injured wrist that was made worse when Q tried him at center for a bunch of games.

I'm not debating that he's immature and has an alcohol problem - but I don't believe it has affected his play on the ice one iota.
- EbonyRaptor

We all have our opinions. My opinion is that a person who has a severe drinking problem cannot stay off the brew during the season and than again go bonkers with the suds off season. His alcohol issues has effected his play at times during the last 4 years. Even on this site during December, January and parts of February People where complaining about some of his off days when he was a complete no show, hardly touched the puck/ slow and really went thru the motions. Than after a couple of these terrible games Kaner would play lights out. Hangovers do effect your play. I also read there were times during the season he missed practices or was told to take a day off because of his drinking . I know every player goes into slumps, has a bad night.. Even Toews and Hossa have off night...we all do. The difference is most of Kaners off nights are so bad that alcohol almost has to be in play. Hey, it is only my opinion....which means diddly.

I keep trying to read between the lines and now it seems that even if the DA announces that he is not filing criminal charges against Kane due to lack of evidence, it is likely that Kane will be at least suspended for the start of the year while he seeks treatment? Is that an accurate assumption?

Love your posts Sir. Keep 'em coming. You call it as you see it.
- TexasFlood

Thanks Texas, got to call it like you see it, especially something like this. This kid needs to grow up otherwise he is gonna have something more than just jail in common with another 1 st round pick , mark Bell,It's called drinking himself right out of hockey if he doesn't grab the bull by the horns.

The holier than thou crowd have spoken, Get the Drunk Rapist out of town. The sooner the better. Can't tarnish McD's classy brand. Funny how most whine about all these Kane transgressions... The cabbie insident was a joke, did he put the guy in the hospital or just slap him up side the head a few times like a young idiot.. Was it him or was it his cousin. A drunk weekend in Wisconsin. Any charges from the police that weekend... NO. And it didn't stop them from signing him to a giant long term deal. Now this charge! Is it true? We don't know. Did she say NO in the middle of the act, we don't know. But it's to much drama so get rid of him. Screw Kane, he ruined our summer! He's been a little punk for years... No waiting to see if Parerin or Dano can somehow take his place. Trade him now..... NOOOOO, don't make rash decisions ... You have to back him until there is an indictment, if there even is one. Then you saints can throw him to the wolves....because for all we know he went home with a woman who whispered in his ear all night (frank) me silly, until he bit her shoulder and then she might have said stop... Did he, we don't know!!!

Remember the story of Sharp supposedly knocking Kaner out cold at a team dinner at a Chicago restaurant/bar before the 2013-14 playoffs started? Probably a true story that was hushed up and never hit the main media.
- RickJ

Rick, when this kid is sober he is actually quite nice. Has always been pleasant and cordial to most. It is the night time when he turns 10 foot tall and bullet proof.
This kid came into my buddy's bar in Roscoe Village, and I told this story before, he was sailing that nite, a fan wearing 1 of his jerseys went up to Kane and asked him to sign his jersey, he signed it all right, when the guy got home and took off his jersey expecting an auto graph what he got was Kane drew a Richard and balls on the number instead.
Now while it may seem funny to most, except at about 250 a pop for those jerseys, what this guy should have did was carry his own marker in his pocket, go back to the Pony and wait for the next time this little A hole came in there , go up to him and grab him , show him the jersey and then grab him by the neck and draw a Richard and balls right on his forehead, see how he likes it. There are a few escapades out there regarding young Mr. Kane. I hope he grows up.

What he's DONE (or NOT done) will get figured out, or swept under the rug.

The issue IS . . . what will he do next summer, or on a road trip this Spring, or . . . t

The stakes are way too high, the track record and contributing factors are always there and not changing despite warnings and promises to change.

The team can't just ignore it and assume it'll go away of its own. It has been an issue for at least 6 years and there are no meaningful indications it's going to change. Yet.
- John Jaeckel

I get what you're saying....but during this track record you speak of how has the actual hockey team performed, how has Kane performed along the way, or essentially how badly have his off ice issues impacted the organization's business on the ice? I think the powers that be can't ignore the answers to those questions, because winning championships in this extremely rare position(dynasty) the Hawks happen to be in trumps everything else. No way to do that in this remaining window(particularly meaning Hossa and Keith and their levels of play) if we trade Kane. Simply no way.

Rick, when this kid is sober he is actually quite nice. Has always been pleasant and cordial to most. It is the night time when he turns 10 foot tall and bullet proof.
This kid came into my buddy's bar in Roscoe Village, and I told this story before, he was sailing that nite, a fan wearing 1 of his jerseys went up to Kane and asked him to sign his jersey, he signed it all right, when the guy got home and took off his jersey expecting an auto graph what he got was Kane drew a Richard and balls on the number instead.
Now while it may seem funny to most, except at about 250 a pop for those jerseys, what this guy should have did was carry his own marker in his pocket, go back to the Pony and wait for the next time this little A hole came in there , go up to him and grab him , show him the jersey and then grab him by the neck and draw a Richard and balls right on his forehead, see how he likes it. There are a few escapades out there regarding young Mr. Kane. I hope he grows up.
- wonthecup10

Read that story in one of your earlier posts. A bit childish on Kane's part but he has likely done much worse to others.

The reality of the matter with pro athletes, actors and actresses, politicians and anybody else in the public eye is that plenty of them are relatively nice, normal people who will give Joe Schmuck the time of day as long as they don't get overbearing. Others are just jerks who have been told all their lives they are God's gift to mankind and act entitled 24 hours a day.

If Kane's problem is just booze, he needs outside medical help before his athletic career is ruined by it. If he thinks he is above the law in other areas that's totally another matter.

Rocky and McD have a very tough call on this one. They know exactly what they are dealing with in managing Kane the individual. None of us who buy tickets really knows all or even a little bit of the truth. Regardless of whether or not he wriggles off the hook on this one, his rep is in shambles and very few would believe he can continue in Chicago long term without more incidents occurring eventually.

Nope. Criminal and civil are two separate worlds essentially. what happens in a criminal case (charges, no charges, conviction or no conviction) doesn't preclude a civil suit. Just like you can sue someone for something that isn't criminally actionable. So even if nothing happens criminally a person accused of rape could still be sued civilly. So there are 2 hills to get over here.
- Marlowe

Though I believe there aren't the same limits on evidence, correct? Thus, any potentially unsavory event/actions by either party would be essentially open for discussion, if somewhat relevant...could be wrong. You'd know better

Its been a while since we did a pool .

If Kane gets TRADED , big IF , IF KANE GETS traded , where do you guess he ends up ?


I'll start the guessing with the :

NEW YORK RANGERS .
- mrpaulish

The Island for:

Okposo (UFA 2016)
Nelson (RFA)
Dal Colle
Pullock
2nd

For
kane
Mcneil

The holier than thou crowd have spoken, Get the Drunk Rapist out of town. The sooner the better. Can't tarnish McD's classy brand. Funny how most whine about all these Kane transgressions... The cabbie insident was a joke, did he put the guy in the hospital or just slap him up side the head a few times like a young idiot.. Was it him or was it his cousin. A drunk weekend in Wisconsin. Any charges from the police that weekend... NO. And it didn't stop them from signing him to a giant long term deal. Now this charge! Is it true? We don't know. Did she say NO in the middle of the act, we don't know. But it's to much drama so get rid of him. Screw Kane, he ruined our summer! He's been a little punk for years... No waiting to see if Parerin or Dano can somehow take his place. Trade him now..... NOOOOO, don't make rash decisions ... You have to back him until there is an indictment, if there even is one. Then you saints can throw him to the wolves....because for all we know he went home with a woman who whispered in his ear all night (frank) me silly, until he bit her shoulder and then she might have said stop... Did he, we don't know!!!
- moots

What we do know is that you just gave a couple of possible scenarios about Kane in his most intimate moments. The Blackhawks don't want that. So, if Kane gets traded, it's all your fault!

What we do know is that you just gave a couple of possible scenarios about Kane in his most intimate moments. The Blackhawks don't want that. So, if Kane gets traded, it's all your fault!
- matt_ahrens

I wish I had that much sway! I would at least try to get as much as you can for him if you go down that path. I would look and hope for 2-3 years down the road if I could... Baring indictment!

Read that story in one of your earlier posts. A bit childish on Kane's part but he has likely done much worse to others.

The reality of the matter with pro athletes, actors and actresses, politicians and anybody else in the public eye is that plenty of them are relatively nice, normal people who will give Joe Schmuck the time of day as long as they don't get overbearing. Others are just jerks who have been told all their lives they are God's gift to mankind and act entitled 24 hours a day.

If Kane's problem is just booze, he needs outside medical help before his athletic career is ruined by it. If he thinks he is above the law in other areas that's totally another matter.

Rocky and McD have a very tough call on this one. They know exactly what they are dealing with in managing Kane the individual. None of us who buy tickets really knows all or even a little bit of the truth. Regardless of whether or not he wriggles off the hook on this one, his rep is in shambles and very few would believe he can continue in Chicago long term without more incidents occurring eventually.
- RickJ

#1. I think its silly to say things like "regardless of the outcome of this case Kane's reputation/image is ruined forever and ever".

#2. If those potential future incidents don't impact the team on the ice or in the locker room, if he continues to show up and do his job for the team, and doesn't do anything illegal....regardless of what he does during his personal time/issues he allegedly has off camera/buzz he causes during the offseason....could you not then argue that it would be worth keeping him if it was the difference between sustaining a Blackhawks dynasty or not? Im a fan of the Hawks hockey team above all else, not gonna judge everyone by who they are off camera.

The harsh truth that none of us can control is that Patrick Kane the person is most likely an A-hole when he goes out/drinks heavily, possibly even when he's sober. Who knows. Certainly appears that way. But I honestly don't care as long as he doesn't commit crimes and keeps showing up to work performing at a world class level.

Read that story in one of your earlier posts. A bit childish on Kane's part but he has likely done much worse to others.

The reality of the matter with pro athletes, actors and actresses, politicians and anybody else in the public eye is that plenty of them are relatively nice, normal people who will give Joe Schmuck the time of day as long as they don't get overbearing. Others are just jerks who have been told all their lives they are God's gift to mankind and act entitled 24 hours a day.

If Kane's problem is just booze, he needs outside medical help before his athletic career is ruined by it. If he thinks he is above the law in other areas that's totally another matter.

Rocky and McD have a very tough call on this one. They know exactly what they are dealing with in managing Kane the individual. None of us who buy tickets really knows all or even a little bit of the truth. Regardless of whether or not he wriggles off the hook on this one, his rep is in shambles and very few would believe he can continue in Chicago long term without more incidents occurring eventually.
- RickJ

I think this is the biggest problem with many people who do things most of us don't consider work, like playing sports, acting, playing music etc.. And I think this goes right back to the parents. I've seen it with some parents in minor sports who projected their kids to be the next Wayne Gretzky and who basically instilled in their child that he was above the rules because he was better than everybody else.

Then there are kids who's parents made them respect others, respect the rules, to better themselves, to give back and so on. We have friends who's kid is currently a role player in the NHL who, when growing up as a very good hockey player, was expected to get his school work done on time, who was expected to contribute at home with his share of the chores, who shovelled the driveways and walks and cut the grass of elderly neighbours and who was the most polite kid and now adult. I also work with a guy who's son is currently a Star in the NHL who is also polite though I don't know too much about his upbringing. Hawk fans can look at Jonathan Toews to see strong and positive parental influence. I'd be curious as to Patrick Kane's upbringing, I have a feeling he was one of those kids who's parents didn't reel him in, but I could be wrong.

Actually just pulled the story up on the London paper website. When the Knights open training camp they split 80 players into 4 squads named after former greats with the team - Corey Perry, Rick Nash,Dave Bolland and Kane. They just dropped Kane and will rename his team after somebody else.
- RickJ

Akim Aliu

Though I believe there aren't the same limits on evidence, correct? Thus, any potentially unsavory event/actions by either party would be essentially open for discussion, if somewhat relevant...could be wrong. You'd know better
- grinder10

Some are the same (i.e. Hearsay) and others are less strict in a civil suit; in a criminal proceeding there are constitutional protections in place because it's the state v the accused person.

#1. I think its silly to say things like "regardless of the outcome of this case Kane's reputation/image is ruined forever and ever".

#2. If those potential future incidents don't impact the team on the ice or in the locker room, if he continues to show up and do his job for the team, and doesn't do anything illegal....regardless of what he does during his personal time/issues he allegedly has off camera/buzz he causes during the offseason....could you not then argue that it would be worth keeping him if it was the difference between sustaining a Blackhawks dynasty or not? Im a fan of the Hawks hockey team above all else, not gonna judge everyone by who they are off camera.

The harsh truth that none of us can control is that Patrick Kane the person is most likely an A-hole when he goes out/drinks heavily, possibly even when he's sober. Who knows. Certainly appears that way. But I honestly don't care as long as he doesn't commit crimes and keeps showing up to work performing at a world class level.
- SimpleJack

You need to stop right there. And think about what you wrote, which is the premise for all that follows.

THERE IS NO WAY for the team to predict whether he will commit crimes, hurt someone, hurt himself, hurt the team's image, damage sponsor relationships.

What they can predict, based on now 6 years of behavior, is that unless he does something meaningful to change it (meaningful, as in changing his habits and taking steps to ensure those changes remain in place), there WILL be more events. You can''t have the face of your franchise getting into a criminal situation/passed out drunk on a bar stool with photos going out live to Twitter, every summer.

Not just "I'll party less." they tried that now, what, three times?

As I sit here this morning and read up on the blog it occurs to me that Kane might have made Stan Bowmans job a little easier. Someone was going to have to go for cap space. It's like coaching a team and making the final cut. Basically a coach is looking for someone to play themselves off the team. Or in this case Kane has made himself expendable. It's a nightmare at first, but if there's no charges in Buffalo bowman sits back and shops one of the top players in the league. How many times have we read here that Stan walked into his job with Toews and Kane in place. This could be a big chance for Stan to make the hawks more his team and not Dale's. Not saying Stan will get anyone back as good as Kane, but it gives him a chance to build for the future within the structure of the cap system. And if there are charges at least Stan should eventually realize the cap space. If this situation had to happen it would have been better next year so they could get a look at Dano, Panerin, or any other young guys this year. Whatever, hope it all shakes out as well as possible.

I think this is the biggest problem with many people who do things most of us don't consider work, like playing sports, acting, playing music etc.. And I think this goes right back to the parents. I've seen it with some parents in minor sports who projected their kids to be the next Wayne Gretzky and who basically instilled in their child that he was above the rules because he was better than everybody else.

Then there are kids who's parents made them respect others, respect the rules, to better themselves, to give back and so on. We have friends who's kid is currently a role player in the NHL who, when growing up as a very good hockey player, was expected to get his school work done on time, who was expected to contribute at home with his share of the chores, who shovelled the driveways and walks and cut the grass of elderly neighbours and who was the most polite kid and now adult. I also work with a guy who's son is currently a Star in the NHL who is also polite though I don't know too much about his upbringing. Hawk fans can look at Jonathan Toews to see strong and positive parental influence. I'd be curious as to Patrick Kane's upbringing, I have a feeling he was one of those kids who's parents didn't reel him in, but I could be wrong.
- paulr

Agree 100%

THERE IS NO WAY for the team to predict whether he will commit crimes, hurt someone, hurt himself, hurt the team's image, damage sponsor relationships.

What they can predict, based on now 6 years of behavior, is that unless he does something meaningful to change it (meaningful, as in changing his habits and taking steps to ensure those changes remain in place), there WILL be more events. You can''t have the face of your franchise getting into a criminal situation/passed out drunk on a bar stool with photos going out live to Twitter, every summer.

Not just "I'll party less." they tried that now, what, three times?
- John Jaeckel

Agreed.

Read that story in one of your earlier posts. A bit childish on Kane's part but he has likely done much worse to others.

The reality of the matter with pro athletes, actors and actresses, politicians and anybody else in the public eye is that plenty of them are relatively nice, normal people who will give Joe Schmuck the time of day as long as they don't get overbearing. Others are just jerks who have been told all their lives they are God's gift to mankind and act entitled 24 hours a day.

If Kane's problem is just booze, he needs outside medical help before his athletic career is ruined by it. If he thinks he is above the law in other areas that's totally another matter.

Rocky and McD have a very tough call on this one. They know exactly what they are dealing with in managing Kane the individual. None of us who buy tickets really knows all or even a little bit of the truth. Regardless of whether or not he wriggles off the hook on this one, his rep is in shambles and very few would believe he can continue in Chicago long term without more incidents occurring eventually.
- RickJ

Rocky is no dummy. They know full well how this story ends if Kane continues on his current path. It's not just the player and their issue, it's the family and friends, the enablers.

Anyone thinking this will be "over" in a few weeks is flat wrong. even when (if) the legal situation "goes away," this thing is far from over.

My personal opinion is this, the team will require Kane to make some changes "or else." The "or else" being a trade.

Kane is just this side of toxic right now and honestly, even if "cleared," by now everyone except a shrinking sliver of the Hawk fan base has grown really tired of his act.

And, in my opinion, those changes are going to be very tough for Kane to adhere to. Because it's going to require him to turn his back on some people who've been around him his whole life and to really humble himself and live a more difficult lifestyle for a young superstar with lots of money.

So the odds are not good.

But I don't think the Hawks will allow him to backslide again. The stakes are too high.

This thing may get quiet for a while, Kane will come back, maybe play for a while and one morning we'll all wake up and find out he's been dealt somewhere.