Patrick Kane Publicly Comments on Rape Investigation for 1st Time

Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane addressed the media on Thursday as he arrived at the team's training camp. It's the first time he's spoken publicly since the sexual assault allegations against him were made public in August.

"I cannot apologize enough for the distraction this has caused for Blackhawks and my family," he said at the start of the press conference, per Ryan Baker of CBS 2 in Chicago. "I respect the legal process. I am confident that I will be absolved of doing nothing wrong."

"We have been in close contact with the Blackhawks' organization over the last 7 days and given the circumstances as they exist now, we are supportive of the organization's decision," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said of Kane participating in training camp, via Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Team president John McDonough also spoke on behalf of the franchise, per the Blackhawks' Twitter account: "This organization prides itself in trying to make calculated and deliberate decisions based on information we have at present. We recognize that Patrick Kane is dealing with a very serious situation. We have the utmost respect for the legal process and will have no further comment on this issue at this time."

Beyond his opening statement, Kane limited his answers to only hockey-related questions.

Teammate Jonathan Toews also refused to speak about Kane's ongoing legal situation.

"There's going to be a time when questions (about Kane) can be answered," Toews said, per Frank Seravalli of TSN. "Respectfully, for now, I cannot."

Toews added that "anything else that's being talked about away from the rink is a non-factor" for him and the rest of the Blackhawks, per Seravalli.

Kane remains under investigation for an alleged sexual assault that occurred in August at his home near Buffalo, New York. No charges have officially been filed, and Jared S. Hopkins and Stacy St. Clair of the Chicago Tribune reported his lawyers are working on a possible settlement with the accuser.

Back in October 2014, the league handed Slava Voynov an indefinite suspension after he was charged with domestic violence. Hughes acknowledged Voynov was charged with a crime, while Kane hasn't been. But he added "the player’s status harms the league," which would be grounds for a suspension.

Friday will be the Blackhawks' first official day of training camp, and barring a U-turn, Kane will be joining his teammates.

Chicago begins its season on Oct. 7 at home against the New York Rangers. Any potential punishment levied against Kane by the league would likely come before then.