Breaking: NHL continues to distance itself from Patrick Kane.

With the ongoing investigation surrounding Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane it comes as little to no surprise when major sponsors like EA Sports distance themselves from the young forward,

Sponsors is one thing, but now it may seem that the NHL itself may have already taken the first steps to putting some distance between themselves and the image of Patrick Kane.

Tim Graham of the Buffalo News was blunt when he put it simply:

The National Hockey League and the Chicago Blackhawks do not want Patrick Kane representing their brands.

Patrick Kane will not be participating in the NHL's preseason media tour this year despite coming off a major Cup win, and furthermore his status for training camp remains unclear.

Morefrom Graham:

Who attends the NHL’s annual media tour is jointly decided by the league and individual teams. This year’s event will take place in Toronto, about 120 miles away from Kane’s residence. In years past, the event has been held in Manhattan.

Brandon Faber, the Blackhawks’ senior communications and community relations director, said Friday that the team couldn’t answer whether Kane will return to training camp with the rest of the defending Stanley Cup champions Sept. 18.

Charged or not, Kane’s stardom continues to get overshadowed by the allegations. He’s losing face, losing the ability to represent the NHL and losing opportunities to make money off his name.

Make of this what you will.

Image courtesy Keystone Press.