Patrick Kane's Recent Injury Could End the Forward's Season, per Report

The Chicago Blackhawks have stood front and center of widespread speculation regarding club legends Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Both forwards have reportedly garnered trade interest from teams looking to contend, and both of their contracts expire at the end of this season.

According to Elliotte Friedman via the 32 Thoughts Podcast, there is a rumor that Patrick Kane is dealing with a nagging injury and at some point could require a 'clean-up.' Friedman wonders if Kane and the Blackhawks agree to shut himself down for the rest of the season, sign a one-year contract for next season, and re-visit a potential trade next season. He did qualify his statement as opinion rather than fact, for what it's worth.

Kane left the Hawks' game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 3rd and hasn't played since. Head coach Luke Richardson confirmed that Kane will require treatment for his ailment but would not divulge the specifics.

Blackhawks Insider Charlie Roumeliotis believes this play against the San Jose Sharks was the first domino to fall:

Friedman also inserted the idea that it's still not certain whether Kane (and Toews) have expressed interest in leaving Chicago and could very well retire with the club. How this saga unfolds is purely speculative at this point.

What we do know, is that Kane is working through an injury which has kept him from the lineup for the past two-and-a-half games. One could reasonably ascertain that Kane hasn't been himself his season, having scored just 27 points in 37 games (a 59-point pace, the lowest of his career). Quite the drop off from last season's total of 92 points.

For now, this is a situation to monitor, but if Kane does indeed opt to shut himself down for the season that shores up any rumors of a trade happening.

Source: 32 Thoughts Podcast

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