Late last week the Blackhawks announced that Patrick Kane required surgery on his left wrist, a procedure that will cost him 6-8 weeks in rehab time.
While that sounds like bad news for the 'Hawks, as well as for fantasy hockey owners, it's not as terrible as it sounds. If all goes according to plan, Kane will be able to report to training camp and begin participating in camp on time, and should be ready to go for the start of the season.
Even if he is not exactly 100% by opening night, Kane will be more healthy than if he did not undergo the procedure on his wrist---an injury originally suffered in Game No. 81 last season, and further compromised during off-season workouts.
As a fantasy hockey owner, your game plan regarding Kane should not change. He is a point-per-game performer (303 points in 317 career games), with 35 goals and 90 points a definite reachable upside to his game. He will be 22 years old on opening night and his game is most definitely still on the upswing---and should be for years to come.
Monitor the news reports on Kane's condition and rehab this summer, especially when training camps open up, but---barring any unforeseen issues---do not hesitate using one of your top three picks on him in your fantasy hockey draft this fall.
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