During an offseason that should have been dominated by a Stanley Cup celebration, all eyes have been focused on Blackhawks star Patrick Kane.
Kane’s future is still completely unknown as he waits for the grand jury process to resume. Until then, Kane’s involvement in team activities has been a hot-button issue.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Monday that he expects Kane to be in attendance at the Blackhawks training camp, which starts this Friday. Dreger said that because Kane has yet to be charged, there is no “logistical” reason he should be withheld from camp.
The Blackhawks have given no official answer to the question.
#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 word is expected within the next 24 to 48 hours.
If Kane does show up to camp, it could be a potential distraction to both Kane and the rest of the team.
Personally, I think the smart thing (the only thing, really) is to keep Kane away until there's some sort of resolution. Imagine the circus.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) September 14, 2015
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
The grand jury process is expected to resume shortly. It was initially scheduled for last week, before being postponed for an undisclosed reason. Kane’s agent Paul Cambria said it should start again “soon.”