Patrick Kane removed from NHL 16 cover

The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in June, but a dark cloud is now hanging over one of its superstars. Forward Patrick Kane is under investigation in Buffalo, N.Y. for an alleged rape, and in light of that terrible charge, EA Sports has removed Kane from the cover of its NHL 16 video game, according to an official statement.

Kane was originally scheduled to be on the cover with teammate and captain Jonathan Toews – who is raising the Stanley Cup – but EA Sports made the decision to move on without him. Kane's situation has been reported on extensively by the Buffalo News, which issued an article stating that Kane allegedly invited two girls back to his house before following one into a room and raping her, per Bleacher Report.

The woman in question then allegedly called a relative and went to the hospital. Kane, 26, has been in trouble with the law before. In 2009, Kane was involved in an altercation with a cab driver in Buffalo that led to criminal charges. Ultimately, Kane reached a plea deal for much lesser offenses.

As the case plays out, it will be intriguing to see how Chicago handles its star. Kane is a Calder Trophy winner and a four-time All-Star who is just entering the prime of his career. While hockey is clearly on the back-burner while justice is sought, it remains interesting to see what the Blackhawks do as the regular season approaches. Last year, Kane scored 64 points in the regular season including 27 goals before notching 23 points in the playoffs on the way to his third Stanley Cup title.