Patrick Kane has made no secret of the fact that he's a big LeBron James fan. But sitting courtside at the United Center on Thursday night for the Bulls' big win over the Miami Heat, Kane was definitely rooting for the home team.

"We were happy for the Bulls, for sure," he said. "First and foremost, we're obviously Chicago fans in here. But I've just been a big LeBron fan ever since he came into the league. Got a great respect for what he's done throughout his career. It was nice to meet him, get a quick pic and say hi. Nothing too crazy, but it was cool, for sure."

Kane sat with Patrick Sharp, and senior director of communications Brandon Faber arranged for the two to meet James before the game. And as big a star as Kane is, he was still a little starstruck.

"He was nervous," Sharp said. "He wasn't talking very much courtside there. He knew he was going to meet LeBron and get his picture taken. He was a little antsy. I know he looks up to him as one of his favorite athletes. I know Chicago fans probably don't want to hear that, but whether you like him or hate him, you've got to respect the talent he has and what kind of athlete he is. All I know is my boy Kirk Hinrich had a heck of a game."

A day doesn't go by during the lockout where an NHL player doesn't sign overseas. But Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane won't be joining the growing list of NHLers in Europe anytime soon.

With the NHL and NHL Players' Association seemingly still far apart in their negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, multiple players have suggested that playing in Europe is a real option if a lockout shuts down the 2012-13 season.

Consider Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane among those who would consider playing in Europe if a labor dispute prevents them from suiting up for the Blackhawks.

By Ben Meyer-Abbott
bmeyer-abbott@suntimes.com
Twitter: @BMACST

Back from playing for Canada at the International Ice Hockey World Championships in Finland and Sweden, Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp said his wrist is fine and has already started to train for next season.

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said Tuesday that the organization was disappointed with star forward Patrick Kane for his actions during a trip to Madison, Wis. not longer after their season concluded.

By Ben Meyer-Abbott
bmeyer-abbott@suntimes.com
Twitter: @BMACST

Patrick Kane appears to have avoided any legal entanglements following his wild weekend in Wisconsin.

NEW YORK -- The night before ending their excruciating nine-game losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the New York Rangers Thursday, Patrick Kane, John Scott and Patrick Sharp attended the New York Knicks' game -- better known these days as the Jeremy Lin experience -- at Madison Square Garden.

OTTAWA, Ontario -- Patrick Kane transformed into Superman Saturday night.

OTTAWA, Ontario -- Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane can't wait to show off to the rest of the NHL what Blackhawks fan have come to love from them. Both are looking forward to competing in the All-Star game's skills competition at Scotiabank Place on Saturday.

The Christmas break wasn't all that relaxing or fun for Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks forward came down with strep throat on Christmas Eve.