NHL Trade Rumors: Chicago Blackhawks Reality Check, Patrick Kane Won't Be Traded

It's fun to kick around. It's interesting to think about what the Chicago Blackhawks could get in return. It's also frustrating watching No. 88 struggle this year.

Back to reality—there is little chance that Patrick Kane will be dealt this season before his contract expires in 2014-2015. If his struggles continue into the 2013-2014 season and the team is in trouble, then perhaps.

But folks let's be realistic, it ain't gonna happen this year.

Kane has had his difficulties. In 50 games played, he has 41 points and is on pace for a career-low 67-point season.

It has not been easy on Kane, either. He started 2011-2012 as a center and has been shuttled between center and wing for the first half of the season.

He has underperformed and he knows this.

The power play has had its own set of issues and whether or not that is directly related to Kane is up for debate.

Let's not forget who this guy is in Chicago. Less that two years ago, he scored what is possibly the biggest goal in franchise history. He will be immortalized in Chicago for that alone. Let's not forget that he is a playoff performer. The year the Hawks won the crown in 2010, Kane mustered 28 points in 22 games. A couple points more and he would have snatched the Conn Smythe away from teammate Jonathan Toews.

He had three points on the four goals scored in the cup-clinching game in Philadelphia.

Consider the investment that the Hawks have made on Kane, the marketing that has gone into his profile and the numerous kids that walk around with a red, No. 88 jersey in Chicago. It is not the time to send a player of Kane's star power packing. It is questionable to what it would do to the team and detrimental to what it would do to the business and marketing of the franchise.

Be patient Hawks' fans. Be calm about Kane and hope he can come back energized and ready to roll after the All-Star game. Rightly or wrongly, he is still a popular face in the Windy City, and a player that will be in Chicago for a few more years.

It's time to focus on what other pieces can be or should be moved. Patrick Kane will remain a Blackhawk.

Thanks for reading.