Updates on Patrick Kane, Ryan O’Reilly, Mike Richards, Phil Kessel, Vincent Lecavalier, David Schlemko & more in your NHL morning coffee headlines.
Updates on Kane, O’Reilly and Richards.
ESPN.COM: A grand jury is expected to reconvene the sexual assault investigation of Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane in about two weeks time. “The grand jury, which comprises 23 people, is to review all evidence in the case and vote on whether there is enough evidence to charge Kane.” Attorney Paul Cambria, who represents Kane, said he doesn’t know why the hearing was delayed, adding he didn’t ask for the postponement.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doesn’t sound like a settlement between Kane and his accuser is in the works as originally speculated.
Mike Richards’ court case has been remanded to December 8.
TSN.CA: Buffalo Sabres center Ryan O’Reilly’s impaired-driving case has been adjourned until October 1.
LOS ANGELES TIMES: The case involving former Kings center Mike Richards was remanded to December 8. No plea was entered in the hearing regarding a charge of possession of a controlled substance.
Other notable NHL headlines.
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Penguins winger Phil Kessel acknowledged he spent the offseason training with former NHL star-turned-trainer Gary Robert, but downplayed a report claiming he dropped 13 pounds. “I didn’t lose any weight, guys,” Kessel told reporters Thursday. “Same as I’ve always been. Maybe a little bit.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The original report about Kessel’s weight loss originated from Toronto, where it seems some in the media there just can’t quit their obsession over the former Leaf’s fitness levels.
CSNPHILLY.COM: Flyer forward Vincent Lecavalier enters this year’s training camp hoping to prove himself to new coach Dave Hakstol, who’s given the veteran a “clean slate” for the upcoming season.
SPORTSNET: The New Jersey Devils signed UFA defenseman David Schlemko to a one-year, $625K contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schlemko’s among the lucky few of the remaining UFA pool to avoid going the professional tryout offer route. You can find an updated UFA and PTO listing in today’s Rumors section.
NBC SPORTS: Looks like the Arizona Coyotes are unhappy once again with the City of Glendale.
CSNNE.COM: All three of the Boston Bruins 2015 first-round selections (Jakub Zboril, Jake DeBrusk and Zach Senyshyn) failed their conditioning test on Thursday.
CBS SPORTS: Former NHL star Theo Fleury is trying his hand as a country singer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m no fan of country music, but Fleury sounds pretty good. Best of luck to him in this endeavor.
I met Theo a few months ago when he visited my little town to give as a motivational speaker to support those who struggle with substance abuse and other addictions. He’s a nice guy. A little out their in some aspects, believing his animal guide is a frog and this frog/spirit helped him recover. Who am I to judge another’s belief. I wish him all the best. When I was a teenager and he was on the flames he was one of our favorites.
Best of luck Theo and congrats on your achievments and on remaining sober and drug free.
Is it me or is the Marriage between Glendale and the Coyotes seem one to be doom from the start.
Glendale and The Coyotes is just a classic example of a square peg being rammed into a round hole – with Bettman being the poundee. Move the bloody franchise to Seattle and be done with it. Crowds of
15,177 at Key Arena are a damned site better on a consistent basis than what they’ve been getting in Glendale until such time as they can build a new arena. Plus the area has a much deeper hockey root system than they’ll ever develop in the frikken desert.
Completely agree, don’t know why this team is still in Arizona. I thought after the City already tried to get rid of them theyd cut ties and move, I se no point in keeping the team there.
They went all the way to the conference finals couple years ago and they still cant put fans in the seats time to go.