SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane for the first time addressed the sexual assault investigation against him Thursday and declared he had "done nothing wrong" and expected to be absolved.
Appearing calm and poised, the 26-year-old Kane acknowledged that it has been an "incredibly difficult time for many people" since the allegation surfaced in early August.
"I cannot apologize enough for the distraction this has caused my family, teammates, this incredible organization and, of course, our fans," said Kane, flanked by team officials including team President and CEO John McDonough. "While I have too much respect for the legal process to comment on an ongoing matter, I am confident once all the facts are brought to light I will be absolved of having done nothing wrong."
Kane is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s in August at his offseason home outside Buffalo, New York, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because police have not revealed details of the case (see full story).
Maple Leafs: Grabner acquired from Islanders
TORONTO -- The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired forward Michael Grabner in a six-player trade with the New York Islanders on Thursday.
The Maple Leafs gave up forwards Taylor Beck and Carter Verhaeghe, defensemen Matt Finn and Tom Nilsson and goaltender Christopher Gibson.
Grabner has recorded 155 points (95 goals, 60 assists) over 317 career NHL regular-season games. He had 13 points (8-5) in 34 games last season.
NHL
Grabner was selected by the Vancouver Canucks with the 14th overall pick of the 2006 NHL entry draft.
Beck had 16 points (8-8) over 62 games for the Nashville Predators last season. The other players heading to the Islanders played in the American Hockey League or Ontario Hockey League last season.
Panthers: Huberdeau signed to 2-year deal
SUNRISE, Fla. -- Jonathan Huberdeau's holdout ended before it started, and the Florida Panthers' leading scorer from last season is back just in time for training camp.
The Panthers signed Huberdeau to a two-year, $6.5 million deal Thursday, one day before the team's first on-ice session of camp. The deal was announced in the morning and Huberdeau -- a left wing who was working out in Montreal to get ready for the season -- was in South Florida by mid-afternoon to complete his physical and get things finalized.
"Fantastic," Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. "I'm real happy for Huby and real happy for our team. It's good to have everything settled. Sometimes it takes longer than others but I was confident we'd get it done. It was just a matter of time. You get no extra points for doing it sooner or later, but the good news is he's here and he'll be ready to go."