from Tim Sassone of the Chicago Daily-Herald,

There was a time when Patrick Kane dreamed of playing in his hometown of Buffalo for the Sabres.

That was before his life changed in 2007 when the Blackhawks made him the first pick in the draft.

Kane has won two Stanley Cups here and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP this year, and he was rookie of the year in 2008.

Now Kane says even his buddies back in Buffalo would prefer it if he stayed in Chicago when his contract expires after next season.

"I think they like making the trip out to Chicago and coming to some games here, being in front of great crowds at the United Center," Kane said. "It's different for them. They're pretty much saying don't come back to Buffalo, stay in Chicago."

continue for more on the Blackhawks...