After the best season of his career, the Chicago Blackhawks want Patrick Kane to stay put, and out of the spotlight this offseason.
The Blackhawks requested Kane remains in Chicago to train this summer, rather than returning home to Buffalo, according to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Last offseason in Buffalo, Kane was accused of sexually assaulting a woman, and though he was not charged and the case was dismissed, it appears the Blackhawks are playing it safe with their superstar winger.
Kane, 27, notched a league-leading 106 points last season, as the Blackhawks were uncharacteristically eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Kane, however, is already focused on the 2016-17 campaign and has begun his training regimen early this summer.
"I'm pretty happy with where my game was at during the regular season last year," Kane said. "I still think there are some ways I can improve ... As a competitive player, you always want to work on everything. You want to work on every part of your game and make sure it's getting better. That's what I'll probably try to do this offseason. Then I'll probably stay off the ice for a little bit, try to get my body where I want it."
Although it started early, Kane's offseason will be shortened, as he'll suit up for USA at the World Cup of Hockey in September.
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