With plea deal pending, relaxed Kane goes to work

It was a more relaxed and upbeat Patrick Kane who met with reporters Tuesday on the second day of USA Hockey's Olympic orientation camp at Seven Bridges Ice Arena.

The Blackhawks all-star, smiling more than on Monday, talked mostly about hockey and not his Aug. 9 arrest in Buffalo for allegedly beating and robbing a cabdriver.

It's possible Kane was feeling better because of a Buffalo News report that said he and his cousin, James Kane, were expected to avoid criminal charges pending a plea deal.

The newspaper reported both Kanes would be indicted this week on misdemeanor and not felony criminal charges, according to law enforcement sources. Those sources said the most likely plea deal would involve the Kanes either pleading guilty to a violation - likely harassment or disorderly conduct - or being granted an adjournment that could lead to the charges being dropped provided the defendants don't land in any more trouble for six months.

The News said those scenarios likely would mean no jail time for either Kane.

"I can't say too much," Kane said. "You don't want to be overconfident, but hopefully it's over as soon as possible."

The taxi driver's attorney told the Buffalo News his client, Jan Radecki, wanted a public apology and not a criminal record for the Kanes.

"My client is looking for a direct public apology to him, not much more," said attorney Andrew LoTempio. "He does not want (the Kanes) to have a criminal record. He does not want them to have any jail time. And he does not want to ruin Patrick Kane's career."

The plea deal could include an apology, community service and some financial restitution to Radecki.

Kane was cheered again at Tuesday's Olympic camp.

"It was nice to see the fan reception (Monday)," he said. "It gives you a whole different perception why kids like you, and what you do for a living. It kind of lifts up your head a bit.

"Maybe you take it for granted before, but now you really realize it's something special."

Kane said he has heard from most of his Hawks teammates, offering support, along with former general manager Dale Tallon and Denis Savard.

"He's doing just fine," said teammate Dustin Byfuglien, also taking part in the Olympic camp. "He's a big boy. Everything will work out, I think."

Kane joked with reporters about bench-pressing 180 pounds last week for the first time, the kind of story a more solemn Kane stayed away from on Monday.

"I went home and told my sisters I did something for the first time in my life and they said, 'What, did you bring down dirty clothes or clean up the dishes?' " Kane said. "It was a pretty cool day."

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=314761">DA: Charges likely today for Blackhawks star Kane<span class="date">[08/19/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/?id=314566">With plea deal pending, relaxed Kane goes to work<span class="date">[08/19/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/?id=314566">Blackhawks star Kane apologizes after cab incident<span class="date">[08/19/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>