from Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune,

Since August, when Patrick Kane came under investigation for an alleged sexual assault, there were some reports and indications the Blackhawks had grown tired of Kane's off-ice behavior and could try to trade the winger.

However, general manager Stan Bowman said Saturday Kane "absolutely" remains part of the team's long-term plans.

Bowman met with the media in Vancouver for the first time since prosecutors declinde to charge Kane after the investigation into an incident at his home in western New York. Kane is in the first year of an eight-year $84 million contract, a contract that includes a no movement clause. He is off to one of the best starts of his career and led the NHL with 31 points entering Saturday.

"You can’t find talent like that," Bowman said. "You look at what he’s done over the course of his career, whether it’s this season, last season ... he’s been a game changer. He’s one of those guys that’s, I’ve said it a lot over the years, he’s able to elevate his game in pressure moments. Not too many guys are able to do that."

Bowman declined to comment when asked if the team was satisfied with Kane's off-ice behavior.

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