Patrick Kane Will Attend Blackhawks Training Camp Amid Rape Investigation

Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane is reportedly expected to attend the team's training camp beginning Friday despite the ongoing police investigation concerning allegations of sexual assault against him in a suburb of his native Buffalo, New York.

Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times reports Kane was listed Wednesday when the Hawks released their camp roster, and they confirmed it's anticipated the winger will be there.

It's also noted that team officials, including president John McDonough, general manager Stan Bowman and head coach Joel Quenneville, will speak with the media Thursday. Kane's status heading into the new season will surely be the main line of questioning.

Lou Michel and Tim Graham of the Buffalo News reported Kane met with investigators regarding the incident, which occurred early on Aug. 2. The alleged victim accompanied a friend to the player's home, where the woman claims she was overpowered and raped.

Last week, the grand jury case focusing on the incident was pushed back for unspecified reasons. Scott Levin of WGRZ reported the delay could last a few weeks and confirmed through a source that there have been no settlement talks between the sides.

So far, Kane has not been charged with a crime.

There's no timetable for a final decision about whether to bring charges against the 26-year-old forward. Following the start of camp Friday, Chicago opens the preseason with four games starting Sept. 22 and begins the regular season Oct. 7 against the New York Rangers.

Kane's availability will remain a question mark. If he's forced to miss time at any point during the campaign, it will mean more top-line minutes for Marian Hossa, while Ryan Garbutt and Marko Dano would also be moved into bigger roles.