The official results of the Patrick Kane rape investigation haven’t been released, and that’s reportedly because it’s not over yet. Sports Mockery already reported that the victim was informed Kane wouldn’t be charged with rape due to a lack of evidence, but, as we said, that doesn’t mean he won’t get charged for another crime.

According to sources within the Blackhawks organization, and a recent report from Barry Rozner, the front office is making preparations to move on without the three-time Stanley Cup champion. The Chicago Blackhawks represent one of the most powerful franchises in all of sports, they’re not going to tolerate players that cannot properly represent the team off the ice.

Kane had been warned about his behavior, and the Hawks were not pleased that he announced at the Stanley Cup rally that he intended to act the fool again while celebrating the team’s third championship in six seasons. The brand, the titles and the sweater go hand in hand as far as the Hawks are concerned, but no one player is bigger than the team and the Hawks and their litany of sponsors do not want to be known as a group that values winning above decency. They do not want to be the Baltimore Ravens after the Ray Rice debacle, so the Hawks find themselves painted into a corner and Kane is holding the brush.

That was a quick excerpt from the Daily Herald’s most recent report on the Patrick Kane situation.

According to our sources, Kane will be placed on disciplinary suspension if there is no end result to the investigation when the team reports for physicals on September 15th. Also, Amanda Grahovec, Kane’s girlfriend, has been removed from the Volunteer Family List. That’s a list of people the team normally reaches out to when collecting toys or selling pucks during the season. Scott Darling’s new girlfriend, Martha Buckley, was recently added to that same list.

Most of this is probably somewhat expected. The Chicago Blackhawks’ organization cannot cripple itself while waiting for Kane’s legal problems to sort themselves out. He signed a $84 million contract 13 months ago, a large portion of that money is currently on the line with this investigation. The Blackhawks recently met with the NHL and the Player’s Association to figure out what the team’s options would be assuming various different outcomes.

Sources within the Blackhawks’ organization have indicated the team is making plans to move on without Patrick Kane permanently. This is not to say that’s going to happen, but it is a realistic possibility and has now been officially discussed with the Blackhawks’ PR staff.

He’s used at least three strikes and put Hawks ownership in a no-win situation where Rocky Wirtz will be criticized if he allows Kane to play, and criticized if removes or trades a popular player from the roster.

Many fans have commented on Kane’s inept ability to routinely find himself in “bad” situations, this rape investigation is no different. Even if he’s not guilty, the word “rape” will be informally attached to Kane, and the Blackhawks assuming they keep him, forever.

Chicago’s front office is currently weighing that risk and looking for alternate solutions. A year ago, Los Angeles defenseman Slava Voynov was suspended indefinitely after a felony domestic violence charge, and a month later the NHL gave the Kings considerable cap relief.

This investigation presents an opportunity for the Blackhawks to possibly rid themselves of Kane’s cap hit, especially if he’s charged. If he is charged, the Blackhawks have a unique chance to cut ties with him, and his contract, while also eliminating a walking PR risk that’s already painted the team into a corner.

The only problem with this scenario … Kane could be innocent, but that might not matter anymore.