I think what is happening now. I pulled this from a law reference website:

a criminal investigation refers to the process of collecting information (or evidence) about a crime in order to: (1) determine if a crime has been committed; (2) identify the perpetrator; (3) apprehend the perpetrator; and (4) provide evidence to support a conviction in court.
- matt_ahrens

Yes it's a little confusing. It certainly 'appears' it's a criminal investigation but is being judged not to be enough for suspension??

Glad I'm not making the decision.

What difference is there (besides to the actual playing group which my understanding isn't listed in the above mentioned clause), between now & when training camp starts? If he is going to be suspended & the investigation doesn't change why wait till training camp starts? Where is the difference? The clause isn't based on 'impact to the team'? If nothing changes there should be no change in his status - ie; no suspension & he turns up to train, based on what you have said above.
- Aussiepenguin

Section 18-A.5 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, provides that, during the pendency of a criminal investigation, "The League may suspend the Player pending the League's formal review and disposition of the matter where the failure to suspend the Player during this period would create a substantial risk of material harm to the legitimate interests and/or reputation of the League."
- walleyeb1

It's in the bits I highlighted. I don't see the level of harm right now to the interests / reputation of the league rising to the level of "substantial risk of material harm" until they allow him to play with the investigation pending and unresolved. If there was truly material harm to the league he'd already be suspended.

EDIT: and there isn't anything to suspend him from right now. The season hasn't started yet.

Remember when the rumors were the Blackhawks had good offers for Sharp too? Bowman MUST make a move to get cap compliant and no team is going to help them out. They'll get screwed over in any deal with Kane, Bickell, or Versteeg. Seabrook and/or Crawford might be a different story.

Kane will be suspended...if things aren't settled.
- Al

Al,

You are way off base on this.

If he has not been charged with any crime by the start of camp, what possible means could the league or the Hawks have to suspend him??

There is no way the Players union would allow it - and the league execs know it.

Al,

You are way off base on this.

If he has not been charged with any crime by the start of camp, what possible means could the league or the Hawks have to suspend him??

There is no way the Players union would allow it - and the league execs know it.
- dahawks8819

Kane could easily be suspended with pay. I agree that he won't be suspended without pay unless he is convicted.

Al,

You are way off base on this.

If he has not been charged with any crime by the start of camp, what possible means could the league or the Hawks have to suspend him??

There is no way the Players union would allow it - and the league execs know it.
- dahawks8819

Two different things entirely...I never mentioned the league.
It would be a huge distraction to the team and ...
The Hawks can keep Kane off the ice and from what I understand and it could be with pay.

People talk about him moving on for a change of scenery which is interesting as his troubles happen away from Chicago.

If he isn't charged and innocent "by law" of any wrong doing, I still see him in Chicago. I get the image thing for the Hawks I really do, and they don't want to be embarrassed. But, they also know there is no substitute for winning. Can they get him in a program and publically make steps to get organized? It's still possible.

This is all contingent on him not having committed a henoius crime which is still sickening to think that that's still on the table.

Two different things entirely...I never mentioned the league.
It would be a huge distraction to the team and ...
The Hawks can keep Kane off the ice and from what I understand and it could be with pay.
- Al

And cap hit...?

People talk about him moving on for a change of scenery which is interesting as his troubles happen away from Chicago.

If he isn't charged and innocent "by law" of any wrong doing, I still see him the possibility of him being in Chicago. I get the image thing for the Hawks I really do, and they don't want to be embarrassed. But, they also know there is no substitute for winning. Can they get him in a program and publically make steps to get organized? It's still possible and we live in a forgiving culture, especially if he is cleared.

But do guys like 19, 2, 7, 4, 81 and others even want him around anymore? Another issue altogether.

This is all contingent on him not having committed a henoius crime which is still sickening to think that that's still on the table.

All rumors and predictions are out the window. Nobody will see what's coming next. Insane and the ultimate blemish on such a great run.

Two different things entirely...I never mentioned the league.
It would be a huge distraction to the team and ...
The Hawks can keep Kane off the ice and from what I understand and it could be with pay.
- Al

If nothing changes it would be hard to justify. I would think that Kane wants to get back into the team environment & would fight to do so. 1 thing would be if the organisation didn't want him in the team environment for the time being & convinced him to take personal leave for 'treatment'. May also appease 'others' associated with the organisation & the 'social judges'.

Two different things entirely...I never mentioned the league.
It would be a huge distraction to the team and ...
The Hawks can keep Kane off the ice and from what I understand and it could be with pay.
- Al

If he is not charged with any crime, and the Hawks trade him, it will be the last cup we see with this core.

People need to remember how the team looked when he went down with the collarbone injury. They were barely a .500 team, they couldn't score, the power play looked even worse without him - and that's saying something.

He has an "it" factor that this team feeds off of - that makes them a very dangerous team. Without him, they may not make the playoffs.

Look, I don't condone his actions - and if he is guilty of this crime, then he should never see an NHL arena again. But trading him without any charges filed will end this dynasty - and every team in the West knows it - and they are hoping the Hawks do trade him.

And I don't care what the return is - you do not replace him - there is nothing in this league that can.

And cap hit...?
- StLBravesFan

It would have to be like the Voynov situation where the suspension would work like LTIR.

People talk about him moving on for a change of scenery which is interesting as his troubles happen away from Chicago.

If he isn't charged and innocent "by law" of any wrong doing, I still see him the possibility of him being in Chicago. I get the image thing for the Hawks I really do, and they don't want to be embarrassed. But, they also know there is no substitute for winning. Can they get him in a program and publically make steps to get organized? It's still possible and we live in a forgiving culture, especially if he is cleared.

But do guys like 19, 2, 7, 4, 81 and others even want him around anymore? Another issue altogether.

This is all contingent on him not having committed a henoius crime which is still sickening to think that that's still on the table.

All rumors and predictions are out the window. Nobody will see what's coming next. Insane and the ultimate blemish on such a great run.
- acmidd28

At this point, all we know is the police finished their investigation and presented their evidence to the DA. It's all up to him now.

And from what I have read about the DA handling this case, he wins 98 percent of the time and he is looking to move up in the political world. There is a lot of pressure on him from both sides of the coin to get this right.

At this point, all we know is the police finished their investigation and presented their evidence to the DA. It's all up to him now.

And from what I have read about the DA handling this case, he wins 98 percent of the time and he is looking to move up in the political world. There is a lot of pressure on him from both sides of the coin to get this right.
- dahawks8819

This is very exciting.

And cap hit...?
- StLBravesFan

I would think so unless the league sanctioned Kane...But this is a fluid situation.

So what do you think JJ means when he wrote:
"I also heard this afternoon that there are still talks going on with Carolina, and they could involve a smaller deal, still involving Skinner, a top Carolina prospect, Bickell, another highly paid Hawk veteran not named Kris Versteeg, and significant cap savings for the Hawks."
But of course I'll take your generous offer unless you have something even better to offer.
- FourOrr

Hanifin is a 1st-overall-pick caliber talent. I'm pretty sure the Canes have bigger plans for him than as a the throw-in to land the great Brian Bickell.

If he is not charged with any crime, and the Hawks trade him, it will be the last cup we see with this core.

People need to remember how the team looked when he went down with the collarbone injury. They were barely a .500 team, they couldn't score, the power play looked even worse without him - and that's saying something.

He has an "it" factor that this team feeds off of - that makes them a very dangerous team. Without him, they may not make the playoffs.

Look, I don't condone his actions - and if he is guilty of this crime, then he should never see an NHL arena again. But trading him without any charges filed will end this dynasty - and every team in the West knows it - and they are hoping the Hawks do trade him.

And I don't care what the return is - you do not replace him - there is nothing in this league that can.
- dahawks8819

I think unless Kane is gone most fans won't realize getting him and Toews in back to back years was a once in a lifetime happening...Especially considering the amount of success since then.

Two different things entirely...I never mentioned the league.
It would be a huge distraction to the team and ...
The Hawks can keep Kane off the ice and from what I understand and it could be with pay.
- Al

If this kane investigation continues to drag or he is charged..

I agree with you...the hawks will LOA him probably with pay...

Hanifin is a 1st-overall-pick caliber talent. I'm pretty sure the Canes have bigger plans for him than as a the throw-in to land the great Brian Bickell.
- Snowblind

Bickell and Skinner cancel each other (Skinner slightly better numbers but at $5.725M for 4 more years is worse than Bickell at $4M for 2 more years. Who the other big salary Blackhawk veteran is for a top Cane prospect is the question.

At this point, all we know is the police finished their investigation and presented their evidence to the DA. It's all up to him now.

And from what I have read about the DA handling this case, he wins 98 percent of the time and he is looking to move up in the political world. There is a lot of pressure on him from both sides of the coin to get this right.
- dahawks8819

Suspended with pay if there are no charges in the next 3 weeks... The Hawks need the cap space (assuming he can be LITR) and the NHL wont deal with the embarrassment... as far as a trade... Stamkos, Malkin, Crosby, Tavares, Benn, Ovie, Kopitar and maybe McDavid are equal value...None of those guys are available... Prospects and picks ... perhaps an Erickson for Seguin type deal.... Think about it if Malkin was in Kane's position what would the Hawks offer in return.... Not Kane, Teows, or Keith!!!!

Bickell and Skinner cancel each other (Skinner slightly better numbers but at $5.725M for 4 more years is worse than Bickell at $4M for 2 more years. Who the other big salary Blackhawk veteran is for a top Cane prospect is the question.
- FourOrr

There's no way Ron Francis will think of it that way.

Bickell and Skinner cancel each other (Skinner slightly better numbers but at $5.725M for 4 more years is worse than Bickell at $4M for 2 more years. Who the other big salary Blackhawk veteran is for a top Cane prospect is the question.
- FourOrr

Unless it's Toews or Keith, there is no way in hell the Canes are trading the best defensive prospect in hockey.

At this point, all we know is the police finished their investigation and presented their evidence to the DA. It's all up to him now.

And from what I have read about the DA handling this case, he wins 98 percent of the time and he is looking to move up in the political world. There is a lot of pressure on him from both sides of the coin to get this right.
- dahawks8819

That's not quite accurate, the DA has joined the investigation. The investigation isn't finished. Ultimately the DA will decided to move forward to a grand jury, bring charges, or determine there isn't sufficient evidence to move forward.

There's no way Ron Francis will think of it that way.
- jfkst1

Last year Skinner had 18 goals, 13 assists for a whopping 31 pts versus Bickell's whopping 14 goals and 14 assists for 28 pts. There is a reason why Skinner has been the subject of rumors that Carolina wants out from under a bad contract.

Unless it's Toews or Keith, there is no way in hell the Canes are trading the best defensive prospect in hockey.
- Snowblind

So replace Hanifin with Fleury and Seabrook/Hammer with Dailey