Patrick Kane applies for sole custody of Artemi Panarin

The Elbow staff

League MVP Patrick Kane is hoping that gaining sole custody of Artemi Panarin will keep him on his line. Source

CHICAGO, IL – Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane has officially lodged a file to Illinois' top family court for sole custody of teammate Artemi Panarin.

It is understood that Kane left today's practice early and drove directly to his lawyer's office after head coach Joel Quenneville announced that he was considering taking the 24-year-old Russian off his line this season.

According to Kane's lawyers, neither Quenneville nor the Blackhawks organization have displayed proof of providing a better home for Panarin, and that obtaining sole custody of the Calder trophy winner is "in everybody's best interest." 

"Mr. Kane has been a father figure to Mr. Panarin for the past year, and helped him acclimate to life in North America," one of Kane's lawyers said via conference call on Monday.

"The idea that Chicago would tear Mr. Panarin away from Mr. Kane is cruel and unnecessary, especially considering his underdeveloped beer pong skills and complete inability to perform a keg stand."

"My client believes that there is no-one within the organization who can provide him with these valuable life skills."

While yet to officially respond in court, the Blackhawks said on Monday that Jonathan Toews would be a much better influence for Panarin.

"Despite his deceptive baby face, Jonathan has fathered basically every player on this team, including Kane himself. We believe he will do a much better job of taking care of Artemi and keeping him on the straight and narrow."

The case is likely to be heard by an Illinois judge later this month.