NHL-National Hockey League roundup

Sept 17 (The Sports Xchange) - Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane addressed his ongoing legal issues when he reported to the team's training camp at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. "This has been an incredibly difficult time for many people," Kane said in his first public comments since police in Hamburg, New York, began investigating his involvement in an alleged sexual assault at his home in the Buffalo area last month. "I cannot apologize enough for the distraction this has caused my family, my teammates, this incredible organization and, of course, our fans. "While I have too much respect for the legal process to comment on an ongoing matter, I am confident that once all the facts are brought to light, I will be absolved of having done nothing wrong." Kane refused to answer reporters' questions after the news conference. Blackhawks president John McDonough also addressed the media at the press conference, which was attended by coach Joel Quenneville and general manager Stan Bowman. "We recognized that Patrick Kane is dealing with a very serious situation," McDonough said. Kane has not been charged in the case. The Chicago Tribune reported that lawyers are seeking a settlement that would end the criminal investigation. In the meantime, prosecutors are working to send the case to a grand jury later this month. - - - The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the acquisition of forward Michael Grabner from the New York Islanders in exchange for forwards Taylor Beck and Carter Verhaeghe, defensemen Matt Finn and Tom Nilsson, and goaltender Christopher Gibson. In 317 games with the Islanders and Vancouver Canucks, Grabner has recorded 95 goals and 60 assists for 155 career points. Last season, he registered 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in 34 regular-season games. The 27-year-old was selected by Vancouver in the first round (14th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Beck, a 24-year-old forward, appeared in 62 games last season with the Nashville Predators and scored 16 points on eight goals and eight assists. Finn, 21, was Toronto's second round pick in the 2012 draft. Gibson and Nilsson are both 22-year-olds who played last season in the American Hockey League. Verhaeghe, a 20-year-old forward from Toronto, served as captain of the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League last season. - - - The Florida Panthers locked up left wing Jonathan Huberdeau for two years for a reported $6.5 million. Huberdeau, 22, paced the Panthers with a team-leading 54 points last season, while reaching career-highs in goals (15), assists (39) and points in a career-high 79 games. "Jonathan is a skilled and dynamic young player who will play an important role on our team for the future," general manager Dale Tallon said. "We want the best players and the best team. It's really starting to come together." - - - The New York Islanders have agreed to terms with forward Steve Bernier on a one-year contract. The 30-year-old Bernier spent the four past seasons with the New Jersey Devils and scored a career-best 16 goals last season. Bernier has scored 104 goals and accumulated 224 points in 609 career games with the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers and the Devils. He has scored nine goals in 68 career Stanley Cup playoff games. - - - (Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)