advertisement

Patrick Kane says there's no chance he'll miss season opener

Patrick Kane reported no issues with his surgically repaired wrist after participating in two practice sessions Saturday.

“I did a little stickhandling without the splint and it was a little bit stiff, but I felt fine out there,” Kane said. “It was probably the best I felt. I was actually shooting a little more. I was begging the trainers to scrimmage, but I don't think they're going to let me.”

Kane said there was no chance he would miss the Oct. 7 season regular opener at Dallas.

“I'm hoping I get three or four preseason games in,” Kane said. “That's the only doubt in my mind, how many preseason games I'm going to get in. Everything is fine and it's getting there. I'm happy with where everything is at.”

While Kane didn't get to scrimmage Saturday, he did dress in the same locker room with his teammates and found Daniel Carcillo at the next stall.

“The next thing I know Carcillo comes in and he's sitting next to me, so I've already asked for a change,” joked Kane. “He's driving me nuts already and it's the first day of camp.

“But seriously, he's going to be a big part of the team and the fans are going to love him.”

Carcillo stayed out of trouble in his first scrimmage.

“I had a few offers, some guy who starts with a B (Brandon Bollig),” Carcillo said.

First test:After passing his physical Friday, Rostislav Olesz played in both scrimmages Saturday #8212; his first cleared contact since ACL surgery last February when he was with Florida.#8220;My right leg is not healthy like before,#8221; Olesz said. #8220;It's not 100 percent with the strength, but I feel real comfortable on the ice. I have the brace and it feels good.#8221;General manager Stan Bowman made it sound as if there is a roster spot waiting for Olesz.#8220;I think it's trying to find out where we can utilize him best,#8221; Bowman said. #8220;He's been an NHL player for a while here and established himself as a solid player in the league.#8220;For him it's staying healthy. He's had some injuries that have derailed his progression a little bit, but I think his versatility is something Joel (Quenneville) is going to like. We're here to find out to see who he can mesh with in our group.#8221;Olesz could wind up on the third line with Dave Bolland.#8220;I will do anything the team needs from me,#8221; Olesz said. #8220;My best hockey is coming.#8221;Morin sidelined:Winger Jeremy Morin could see his chances of making the team slip if he can't get on the ice soon.Morin is being held out while still experiencing effects from a concussion he suffered last season with Rockford.#8220;We're going to say day-to-day right now,#8221; Joel Quenneville said. #8220;You could see him on the ice in the next little while.#8221;The quote:Patrick Kane on the acquisition of Jonathan Toews' brother, David: #8220;I thought one was enough. Now you have two. It's going to be a rough ride for me.#8221;