Latest on Patrick Kane, Thomas Vanek and Mike Cammalleri, plus updates on NHL expansion, the Stadium Series and more.
Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane is reportedly under investigation by Hamburg, NY police.
THE BUFFALO NEWS: Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane is reportedly being investigated by Hamburg, NY police regarding a recent incident. The Hamburg chief of police, the local district attorney and Kane’s lawyer declined to comment. “No charges have been filed in connection with the investigation and it is not known whether police have questioned the 26-year-old hockey player.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I daresay it won’t be long until we learn more details. Kane had a run-in with the law inn 2009, pleading guilty to disorderly conduct regarding an incident with a Buffalo taxi driver.
STARTRIBUNE.COM’s Michael Russo reports via Twitter that Minnesota Wild winger Thomas Vanek has resumed skating after surgeries in June to repair two hernias in his left groin. Vanek claims he’ll be ready for training camp next month.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could also explain Vanek’s offensive struggles last season, particularly in the playoffs.
NORTHJERSEY.COM: Mike Cammalleri will become the first New Jersey Devils player to wear number 13. Cammelleri wore that number for most of his NHL career, but was forbidden from doing so upon joining the Devils by former GM and president Lou Lamoriello.
TSN.CA: Las Vegas and Quebec City have been invited by the NHL to participate in the next phase of the league’s expansion application process.
ESPN.COM: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman claims the novelty of outdoor games is far from being overdone or oversaturated.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Attendance at those games bears this out. Outdoor games, like the Winter Classic and the Stadium Series, remain very popular among NHL fans.
CBS SPORTS: The rosters for the alumni game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild next February will include “former All-Stars Jeremy Roenick, Mike Modano, Denis Savard, Dino Ciccarelli and Ed Belfour.”
So Kane gets into trouble and this is how the Hawks free themselves from cap hell.
I wish Patrick all the best but being young and rich has ruined many a poor soul.
I would suggest withholding all such comments/opinions until all the details are in. Unless, of course, you have some inside knowledge to which no one else is privy.
What is wrong with what I said ??
I am not saying he is guilty or innocent. Im saying this is how the Hawks get around cap hell if its true.
Geez………….
Except I don’t see any “if” in your original post, and when you close with”I wish Patrick all the best but being young and rich has ruined many a poor soul” it sort of emphasizes that you’ve made up your mind he’s guilty. Now we know the charge is “rape” but as one columnist says, Patrick is innocent until proven guilty and the woman has the right to be considered honest until proven otherwise. Let’s just wait and see what unfolds here.
You can’t just “Mike Richards” the guy.. Nor would they want to!!!
Also on the quite but interesting news, The Pittsburgh Penguins signed Matt Cullen to a one year 800k deal.
On a side note, at the age of 38 he at worst could look like another Adams on this current roster, but with his experience and the fact that he still can contribute it is a effective signing of another center that can play a wing spot and depth on a rather deep team. He fills in that 12 forward spot and forces a otherwise weak farm system to truly have to bring their best game if they wish to break onto this Penguin roster. At best the penguins (hoping for no major injury) are starting a season with a team that has a strong chance of being together for an entire season without any need to make a trade at the deadline. Which can work for this team sense it really needs it’s current picks to rebuild a lacking farm system, that at best has one nhl caliber center and a hand full of Goaltenders.