Despite probe, Kane expected at 'Hawks camp

The Chicago Blackhawks released their training camp roster on Wednesday morning and it includes forward Patrick Kane. The team also announced, via Chicago Tribute beat writer Chris Kuc, that it expects Kane to participate in camp, which opens on Friday at Notre Dame.

The decision to allow Kane to participate in training camp is not going to be a popular one given the fact that Kane remains at the center of a police investigation amid allegations of a sexual assault in New York state over the summer.

Until Wednesday Kane’s status for camp remained uncertain given the ongoing investigation.

Charges have not been filed against Kane, but a grand jury is expected to begin reviewing the case later this month. Those proceedings were expected to begin last week but were delayed at least two weeks. According to the Chicago Tribune, at least five witnesses, including Kane’s accuser, are expected to be called before the grand jury.

The NHL has not taken any disciplinary action against Kane at this time, while commissioner Gary Bettman said last week that the league has to “let the process play out.”

“Obviously when a player is involved in something like Patrick Kane is subject to right now in terms of the authorities investigating and looking, it’s unfortunate, it’s a terrible thing,” Bettman said during a media availability announcing the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. “But we’re going to have to watch the process play out and at the appropriate time we’ll make whatever decisions have to be made at the time.”

Bettman also added that the league would look into its own internal investigation “at the appropriate time,” indicating that one had not yet been started.

Patrick Kane is expected to attend Blackhawks’ training camp. (USATSI)

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