Yes, doubtful, no.

Kane is tailor made for NYR. Toronto needs centers more than wings, I don't see them dealing with the Sharks
- John Jaeckel

When it comes to Burke he'll take whatever he can get just so he can have a press conference and talk about the steal of a deal he got.

It's an interesting article, to be sure, but what in particular makes you think that the odds have gone up by 15% as to a trade? None of this is truly new and you have to imagine that privately the Hawks have held this opinion of Kane for some time. I guess my point is this: Jahns doesn't offer anything new, he just summarizes things and has a few anonymous quotes that, frankly, aren't terribly shocking to read from someone within the Hawks' organization.

At the end of the day, Kane is both talented and marketable. That is frankly the major issue with trading him as either McD (who is driven by the marketing) or Bowman (who is uncreative at best) is likely to see trading him as a bigger negative than retaining him. I think you were right on with the 50/50 odds. Anything higher is really, IMO, forgetting the Cult of Personalities that are dominating the Hawks right now.
- QStache

Real simple. The cat is now officially out of the bag. The Hawks are in a tough position.

It's ALL about perception: the fans and 29 other GMS.

If, as someone is now suggesting, he goes to rehab, then the next batch of photos (if there are some) will be devastating.

Knowing what the Hawks know about Kane, are they willing to wager, after many warnings, he will go completely clean from now on? If it were me, I wouldn't.

The Hawks are now in the position where with each successive incident or batch of phtos, his value goes down, maybe a lot.

When it comes to Burke he'll take whatever he can get just so he can have a press conference and talk about the steal of a deal he got.
- Lahey

Ha, true, he also loves Americans.

Interestingly, so apparently does Howson: his new team leadership is all American, Umberger, Wiz, Johnson.

Add to that Atkinson, Moore . . .

Great job as usual Al! I guess it is pretty much wait and see...something has to happen at the draft,or else we are pretty much looking at the same team again next year... Even if the D stayed as it is right now, i guess I would be ok with it,not thrilled by any means,they should get bigger on the back end,but what are they going to do about a few penalty killers? A Madden type(face off winning penalty killing)player or two are needed big time,and some size in the top 6,and how do they do that with 2mil left in cap space?
- captainserious

If everything stayed as is the defense would be better on paper than last year....But is it good enough??

No doubt some help is needed at center and on the PK.

Like I wrote it's time to not expect what hasn't happend in the past...

Oduya could be no better than Montador, in that case they shouldn't be considered solid second pairing dmen on a team going for a Cup.

I am of the opinion Leddy isn't going to be demoted so that leaves Hammer as a trade possibility to create cap space...

Time for the Hawks front office to be real. Fans deserve more than high expectations and hopes. http://bit.ly/JAdRXO

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

Real simple. The cat is now officially out of the bag. The Hawks are in a tough position.

It's ALL about perception: the fans and 29 other GMS.

If, as someone is now suggesting, he goes to rehab, then the next batch of photos (if there are some) will be devastating.

Knowing what the Hawks know about Kane, are they willing to wager, after many warnings, he will go completely clean from now on? If it were me, I wouldn't.

The Hawks are now in the position where with each successive incident or batch of phtos, his value goes down, maybe a lot.
- John Jaeckel

So 29 Gm's should hire photographers to follow kane?

Ha, true, he also loves Americans.

Interestingly, so apparently does Howson: his new team leadership is all American, Umberger, Wiz, Johnson.

Add to that Atkinson, Moore . . .
- John Jaeckel

I think it was more that's what he ended up getting when he tried to swing for the fences.

Real simple. The cat is now officially out of the bag. The Hawks are in a tough position.

It's ALL about perception: the fans and 29 other GMS.

If, as someone is now suggesting, he goes to rehab, then the next batch of photos (if there are some) will be devastating.

Knowing what the Hawks know about Kane, are they willing to wager, after many warnings, he will go completely clean from now on? If it were me, I wouldn't.

The Hawks are now in the position where with each successive incident or batch of phtos, his value goes down, maybe a lot.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, the big issue I haven't seen discussed yet is how Q feels about Kane. It's clearly now Q's team, where does he fall on this decision? Was there any chafing between the two last season with the shuffling between wing and center? I think you also alluded to the locker room, can't imagine this all plays well with guys like Johnny or Seabrook. Any insight you or anyone else can share there?

Real simple. The cat is now officially out of the bag. The Hawks are in a tough position.

It's ALL about perception: the fans and 29 other GMS.

If, as someone is now suggesting, he goes to rehab, then the next batch of photos (if there are some) will be devastating.

Knowing what the Hawks know about Kane, are they willing to wager, after many warnings, he will go completely clean from now on? If it were me, I wouldn't.

The Hawks are now in the position where with each successive incident or batch of phtos, his value goes down, maybe a lot.
- John Jaeckel

Until he steps on the ice again this is true. If he puts up an 80+ point season next year, no one will care about Cinco de Mayo in Madison or any other pictures (as long as what he is doing is "legal")

Today's thoughts....

Time for the Hawks front office to be real. Fans deserve more than high expectations and hopes. http://bit.ly/JAdRXO

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Nice piece as always, Great Mellifluous One.

Where I'll disagree with you is on the Hjalmarsson staying scenario. Leddy would then be 3rd pairing. I have some pretty solid intel that Q was "forced" to give Leddy big minutes against his better judgement. In truth, a "step backward" should not really be an issue for him at his age— especially when he was rushed into a situation he wasn't ready for last year.

The other thing is, about the only things you can assume with Quenneville is that 7 and 2 will not be third pairing guys and that 5 will not be first pairing (at least not after the 9-2 game in Edmonton last year). Otherwise, it will be somewhat of a Chinese Fire Drill all the time.

Until he steps on the ice again this is true. If he puts up an 80+ point season next year, no one will care about Cinco de Mayo in Madison or any other pictures (as long as what he is doing is "legal")
- TheTrob

I agree somewhat. A huge season pushes all this to the back burner and/or buys some time. But it will not completely defuse this, especially not if there are more "events."

And we don't know exactly what he is (and isn't) doing and the relative legality. That's another issue.

Nice piece as always, Great Mellifluous One.

Where I'll disagree with you is on the Hjalmarsson staying scenario. Leddy would then be 3rd pairing. I have some pretty solid intel that Q was "forced" to give Leddy big minutes against his better judgement. In truth, a "step backward" should not really be an issue for him at his age— especially when he was rushed into a situation he wasn't ready for last year.

The other thing is, about the only things you can assume with Quenneville is that 7 and 2 will not be third pairing guys and that 5 will not be first pairing (at least not after the 9-2 game in Edmonton last year). Otherwise, it will be somewhat of a Chinese Fire Drill all the time.
- John Jaeckel

You could be right about Hammer but at $3.5 mill per I can't see him on third pair...And can't see Leddy there either...Time wil tell.

Like I said it would be best if the third pairing is given more ice tie...Maybe they will, but so that hasn't been Q's MO.

Thanks....

And I will be on SiriusXM today at 2:05 CST to talk some Kane and Oduya...

Rangers, Toronto, San Jose, come to mind as well.

How about Dallas, now with new ownership they might have more money. Options are really endless when talking about a 23 year old who's worse year included 23g and 66 points.
- Lahey

I have been thinking about Dallas as a good trade partner for a while. Hawks could try to get multiple pieces back for Kane. Maybe try a two pronged attack, something like...

Kane and Pirri to Dallas for Ribeiro, Fistric, and a first (or throw in Crawford and try for Lehtonen)

Then

The Hawks 1st (18), The 1st acquired fom Dallas (13), and Saad to Columbus for Nash.

Dallas gets a young playmaker to pair with Benn, Columbus ends up with the 2nd, 13th, and 18th picks in this year's draft plus a top flight prospect. The Hawks get Nash, an ideal 5-6 D-man, and. Lefty #2C for Hossa.

Sharp Toews Nash
Stalberg Ribeiro Hossa
Shaw Bolland Bickell
Carcillo Kruger Frolik
Mayers Bollig

Seabs Keith
Hammer Oduya
Leddy Fistric
Olsen

What is all this talk about rehab? He went out on a holiday weekend during his "Summer break" and got drunk. He did not break rules. I get the perception issue, what I dont get is why it is being perceived as one.

I got drunk this weekend twice on the beach at a party. Do I need rehab (Rhetorical question)

If he was doing this all the time, say during the season on game nights and days before a game I could see rehab.

I see no wrong doing on the part of Kane. He got drunk. So did thousands of others. They are just not millionaires and can go bank to their banking, computerd, desk jobs without any regret.

Point blank: If Kane isn't traded this offseason this is a make or break season for him.

Reports today that the Hawks want him to get help are indicators of a much larger issue (that the Hawks know about and the general public doesn't). As it states (and I've argued) much more than just a 48-hour window in Madison. As I argued a few weeks back - the fact he wasn't playing for Team USA raised red flags (as the Sun Times article speaks about).

Save me the "Oh he's just a young kid" argument.. please.

Let's hope the Oduya signing is a precursor for some larger trades/free agent deal. A roster mix up is 100% needed.

Point blank: If Kane isn't traded this offseason this is a make or break season for him.

Reports today that the Hawks want him to get help are indicators of a much larger issue. As it states (and I've argued) much more than just a 48-hour window in Madison. As I argued a few weeks back - the fact he wasn't playing for Team USA raised red flags (as the Sun Times article speaks about).

Save me the "Oh he's just a young kid" argument.. please.

Let's hope the Oduya signing is a precursor for some larger trades/free agent deal. A roster mix up is 100% needed.
- CaptainBlackhawk

Hasnt Kane been banged up most of the season and was just finally becoing healthy again? I though that was one of the main reasons he did not go to the worlds.

JJ, the big issue I haven't seen discussed yet is how Q feels about Kane. It's clearly now Q's team, where does he fall on this decision? Was there any chafing between the two last season with the shuffling between wing and center? I think you also alluded to the locker room, can't imagine this all plays well with guys like Johnny or Seabrook. Any insight you or anyone else can share there?
- Section114

Great questions, 114!

Hard to say on Q. I will say this: if Q feels Kane is a distraction or a problem in the dressing room and there is an acceptable offer on the table, he's gone. Conversely, I'm not sure Q has enough juice to save him if everyone else in the brass has had enough—especially not Rocky.

Remember, anyone arguing too hard for Kane right now is staking their own reputation (and maybe their job) on him straightening up from here on out.

As for 19 and 7, funny you should ask. I have seen a little bit of evidence and heard more that suggests both are very dissatisfied with the state of the team and things overall since June 2012. And there is reason to believe both have been at least privately (maybe playfully, mind you) critical of Kane at times, to the best of my knowledge over on-ice things.

These two guys want to win, period. They are warriors. If they can win with Kane, great. If they can win without him, same thing.

Hasnt Kane been banged up most of the season and was just finally becoing healthy again? I though that was one of the main reasons he did not go to the worlds.
- ImThatGuy

No - he stated that this past season he was healthy and realized what a good offseason training program brings. He stated he wanted to commit himself to a full offseason training program to stay healthy as the reason for his lack of attendance.

I see no wrong doing on the part of Kane. He got drunk. So did thousands of others.
- ImThatGuy

The problem is, as many have stated before, this IS NOT an isolated incident. Leaving out the Buffalo cab incident and Vancouver debacle, there are MANY bars in Chicago that will not have Kane as their guest any more.

Great questions, 114!

Hard to say on Q. I will say this: if Q feels Kane is a distraction or a problem in the dressing room and there is an acceptable offer on the table, he's gone. Conversely, I'm not sure Q has enough juice to save him if everyone else in the brass has had enough—especially not Rocky.

Remember, anyone arguing too hard for Kane right now is staking their own reputation (and maybe their job) on him straightening up from here on out.

As for 19 and 7, funny you should ask. I have seen a little bit of evidence and heard more that suggests both are very dissatisfied with the state of the team and things overall since June 2012. And there is reason to believe both have been at least privately (maybe playfully, mind you) critical of Kane at times, to the best of my knowledge over on-ice things.

These two guys want to win, period. They are warriors. If they can win with Kane, great. If they can win without him, same thing.
- John Jaeckel

All you have to look at is how those three reacted when millions of people lined the streets of Chicago to celebrate a parade to show leadership/maturity levels.

Toews/Keith celebrated with fans at a team/city wide function
Kane chose to chug out of a bottle of champagne

Real simple. The cat is now officially out of the bag. The Hawks are in a tough position.

It's ALL about perception: the fans and 29 other GMS.

If, as someone is now suggesting, he goes to rehab, then the next batch of photos (if there are some) will be devastating.

Knowing what the Hawks know about Kane, are they willing to wager, after many warnings, he will go completely clean from now on? If it were me, I wouldn't.

The Hawks are now in the position where with each successive incident or batch of phtos, his value goes down, maybe a lot.
- John Jaeckel

Not to be disagreeable, but hasn't the cat always been out of the bag with Kane? The Vancouver photos, the Buffalo cabby incident, etc. And that is only what the public knows about. The reality is that I'm sure around the NHL the GMs and players know far worse about players than we'll ever know.

I guess I look at it this way: despite all of Kane's off ice faults, he remains one of the most well-known and marketable young players in the NHL. For a number of franchises, I'm looking at you Columbus, trading for a young, marketable, American NHL player should be an absolute boon for the ticket gate.

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. Jahns' article, while very well written and interesting, doesn't push the likelihood that Kane is traded beyond 50/50 IMO. I just don't think it is more likely that he is traded than not traded. My opinion is mainly still based on the leadership team of the Hawks, and not whether it might be time to sell high on the Patrick Kane era.

The problem is, as many have stated before, this IS NOT an isolated incident. Leaving out the Buffalo cab incident and Vancouver debacle, there are MANY bars in Chicago that will not have Kane as their guest any more.
- fourfeathers

Which go 100% unreported.. .doesn't mean it's not happening or that the organization/teammates don't know about it.

These two guys want to win, period. They are warriors. If they can win with Kane, great. If they can win without him, same thing.
- John Jaeckel

You're absolutely right. And the whole organization should feel the same way.

What is all this talk about rehab? He went out on a holiday weekend during his "Summer break" and got drunk. He did not break rules. I get the perception issue, what I dont get is why it is being perceived as one.

1) I got drunk this weekend twice on the beach at a party. Do I need rehab (Rhetorical question)

2) If he was doing this all the time, say during the season on game nights and days before a game I could see rehab.

I see no wrong doing on the part of Kane. He got drunk. So did thousands of others. They are just not millionaires and can go bank to their banking, computerd, desk jobs without any regret.
- ImThatGuy

1) If someone told you repeatedly to not do the above or there would be consequences, could you stop? And if you couldn't, would that mean you have a problem?

2) There's evidence he's ummm partied during the season. I have been told there was at least one big flare-up with a teammate during 2010-11 over his preparation for the season, practices and games.

I posted my blog before I read Adam Jahns' piece in the Sun-Times this morning. I would recommend all of you do so, if you haven't already.

I now feel the odds of Kane being dealt are more like 65-35 (that he will be), if not this summer then by the trade deadline.

The Hawks are now in a bad position, and if/when there's another batch of photos, it's going to get worse.
- John Jaeckel

Who knows what Kane is thinking? Maybe he is tired of Hawks management (which seems to be worse these days) Yes he loves the city and fans. But if several teammates are turning on him and management is micro managing all his moves maybe he feels his value has gone down in the organization. This could be his way of asking to be traded without asking for a trade.

You can have Kane. As long as Tyler Myers is part of the deal. Kane is a great player, that cant be denied. I for one think he is a spoiled little punk that wont grow up. I think his father is his enabler. Things will not change. the guy is a cancer off ice and needs to go ASAP.

Its a shame because the sky is the limit with his talent. One player doesnt make a team. and if a player is a disruption to the team he should be moved for the great good.
- BigMike19

This might be the best for Kane (I really don't see the leadership there to stop Kane from being Kane). Richards and Carter were shipped off for the same exact reason and it looks like it's been a positive thing for those two.