Patrick Kane to Face NHL Investigation: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

It was announced Thursday that Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane will not face rape charges, but the three-time Stanley Cup champion could still be subjected to discipline by the NHL.

According to ESPN's Craig Custance, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly revealed that the league intends to review Kane's case for making a final determination regarding his status:

The 26-year-old native of Buffalo, New York, was accused of rape in the town of Hamburg, New York, in August, but Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita announced Thursday that there was not enough evidence to pursue charges, per ESPN.com.

"The totality of the credible evidence—the proof—does not sufficiently substantiate the complainant's allegation that she was raped by Patrick Kane and this so-called 'case' is rife with reasonable doubt," Sedita said.

He also cited inconsistencies regarding the accuser's account and those of witnesses.

After the investigation was thrown out, both the Blackhawks organization and Kane released statements, per Yahoo Sports:

Kane was allowed to participate in training camp and preseason games for the Blackhawks during the investigation, and he hasn't missed any regular-season time due to the case, either.

The four-time All-Star is off to the best statistical start of his career, with eight goals and 18 points in 13 games for the 7-5-1 defending Stanley Cup champions.

Losing Kane for any period of time would be crippling for a team that experienced a great deal of turnover during the offseason, but there hasn't been any indication that he will face a suspension.

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