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 "This has been an incredibly difficult time for many people," Kane
said in his first public comments since police in Hamburg, New York,
began investigating his involvement in an alleged sexual assault at
his home in the Buffalo area last month.
"I cannot apologize enough for the distraction this has caused my
family, my teammates, this incredible organization and, of course,
our fans.
"While I have too much respect for the legal process to comment on
an ongoing matter, I am confident that once all the facts are
brought to light, I will be absolved of having done nothing wrong."
Kane refused to answer reporters' questions after the news
conference.
Blackhawks president John McDonough also addressed the media at the
press conference, which was attended by coach Joel Quenneville and
general manager Stan Bowman.
"We recognized that Patrick Kane is dealing with a very serious
situation," McDonough said.
Kane has not been charged in the case. The Chicago Tribune reported
that lawyers are seeking a settlement that would end the criminal
investigation. In the meantime, prosecutors are working to send the
case to a grand jury later this month.
- - -
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the acquisition of forward Michael
Grabner from the New York Islanders in exchange for forwards Taylor
Beck and Carter Verhaeghe, defensemen Matt Finn and Tom Nilsson, and
goaltender Christopher Gibson.
In 317 games with the Islanders and Vancouver Canucks, Grabner has
recorded 95 goals and 60 assists for 155 career points. Last season,
he registered 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in 34
regular-season games.
The 27-year-old was selected by Vancouver in the first round (14th
overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Beck, a 24-year-old forward, appeared in 62 games last season with
the Nashville Predators and scored 16 points on eight goals and
eight assists.
Finn, 21, was Toronto's second round pick in the 2012 draft. Gibson
and Nilsson are both 22-year-olds who played last season in the
American Hockey League.
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Verhaeghe, a 20-year-old forward from Toronto, served as captain of
the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League last season.
- - -
The Florida Panthers locked up left wing Jonathan Huberdeau for two
years for a reported $6.5 million.
Huberdeau, 22, paced the Panthers with a team-leading 54 points last
season, while reaching career-highs in goals (15), assists (39) and
points in a career-high 79 games.
"Jonathan is a skilled and dynamic young player who will play an
important role on our team for the future," general manager Dale
Tallon said. "We want the best players and the best team. It's
really starting to come together."
- - -
The New York Islanders have agreed to terms with forward Steve
Bernier on a one-year contract.
The 30-year-old Bernier spent the four past seasons with the New
Jersey Devils and scored a career-best 16 goals last season.
Bernier has scored 104 goals and accumulated 224 points in 609
career games with the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver
Canucks, Florida Panthers and the Devils. He has scored nine goals
in 68 career Stanley Cup playoff games.
- - - (Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)
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