Friday, Sept. 16, 2011
Posted: 1:21 p.m.
By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com Blackhawks InsiderFollow @TraMyersCSN
Patrick Kane could play tomorrow if he needed to do so. And with his left wrist fully healed, he would love to do just that: practice and play full board, no holding back at all. Because Kane wants to take the next step in his already strong career and he wants to do it now.
Everyones been saying that to me, All right, youve done well first four years. Now take the next step, he said. Thats what I want to do.
For that hell need optimum health; hes pretty close to it. So as Kanes ready to steamroll into another season, those around him are making sure he doesnt do too much, too soon.
Kane was still sporting the splint on that wrist when he talked to the media on Friday, but its purely for precautionary purposes and improving his range of motion. Hes participated in pre-camp drills and hes taking shots again. Hell be skating in two-a-day sessions when training camp begins Saturday at the United Center.
But hell err on the side of caution with contact.
Right now its just getting (the wrist) stronger, getting range of motion back. I was happy with what the doctors said. They always saw a lot of progress, Kane said. If it was the middle of the season right now and I wanted to play, I could play.
NHL
But its not the middle of the season. We know Kane is big on preseason, big on getting that jump-start to the season. We know he loves to get in those preseason games to fine-tune things. But general manager Stan Bowman made that clear to Kane in their Thursday night talk that theres no preseason rush.
He wants to go full tilt right away, Bowman said. His injurys healed very well but were going to play it cautiously. He wants to do it all right away. Hes on a mission to have a really great season this year and hes looking forward to showing us what he can do.
Kane will have his time for greatness in the regular season. Hell be well served taking it slowly in the preseason.
Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.