Kane sits out win over Sharks as trade rumors intensify
Patrick Kane's time with the Chicago Blackhawks appears to be ending.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion sat out Saturday's 4-3 shootout win over the San Jose Sharks due to roster management, the Blackhawks announced. Forward Sam Lafferty also didn't play for the same reason.
"Based on the current status of Patrick's situation, we collectively felt it was more appropriate to have him not play during this period of reflection," Kane's agent, Pat Brisson, said prior to the game, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
The 34-year-old is believed to have left the team and returned to Chicago, per TSN's Darren Dreger.
Much has been speculated about Kane's future as he's a pending unrestricted free agent and holds a no-trade clause in his contract. The Buffalo native's preferred destination is the New York Rangers, according to The Athletic's Scott Powers and Arthur Staple.
Kane has 16 goals and 45 points through 54 contests this season, including three multi-goal efforts in his past four games.