Sabres fan Kane happy he's with Hawks

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- So is there even the tiniest part of Patrick Kane that wants to someday return here to his hometown and play for the Sabres?

Kane said no for now.

“Not really anymore, Kane said Monday. “I think that was kind of a dream coming into the league, but the position we're in now, it doesn't get any better than this. For right now I couldn't think about playing for anyone else.

Kane is in the first year of a five-year contract extension after which he will be an unrestricted free agent at 26. He grew up a huge Sabres fan, attending about 20 games a year with his dad and friends.

“I sat right behind the (visitors') bench, first row all the way to the left, right where I could see the sticks and look at different players' butt ends and curves, Kane said. “At the intermission me and my buddies would go up with our mini sticks and play in the hallway.

“My dad said there was one rule that we had to be back in time for the game. There are a lot of great memories here.

Sharp returns: When Hawks doctors advised Patrick Sharp to sit out Saturday's home opener against Detroit because of a slight concussion, the veteran center tried to talk them out of it.

Sharp at least was able to put on his uniform and be on the ice when the Stanley Cup banner was raised to the rafters.

#8220;We've got enough doctors and training staff here that it's hard enough to make those decisions, Sharp said. #8220;I probably could have suited up. Knowing how big that game was for personal reasons it was really tough to sit out, but they felt it was best if I missed one.

#8220;I wanted to get in there obviously with the ceremony, and any time you play the Red Wings at home it's a huge atmosphere and that was the first time back on home ice since the playoffs, Sharp said.

#8220;Once I was actually out there hearing the crowd cheer for us and the team and for me personally, I didn't want to get off the ice.

Sharp collided with Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson on opening night Thursday. He was back in the lineup Monday against the Sabres after missing just the one game.

Odd man out: While Jordan Hendry likely was always ticketed to be the Hawks' seventh defenseman, coach Joel Quenneville still isn't seeing what he wants from the veteran.

Hendry was a healthy scratch for the second straight game Monday.

#8220;His training camp (was) OK, Quenneville said. #8220;He gives us some speed and versatility back there and you can move him up front as well. We'll see when he does get back in there, you have some options with him, but I think we're looking for a little more.

Line dancing: Joel Quenneville juggled his second, third and fourth lines Monday. Bryan Bickell skated with Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane; Dave Bolland centered for Jack Skille and Viktor Stalberg; and Jake Dowell was between Fernando Pisani and Troy Brouwer.

#376;For more Blackhawks news, follow Tim Sassone's reports via Twitter@TimSassone and his blog, #8220;Between the Circles, at dailyherald.com.