Patrick Kane was sad to see Artemi Panarin traded

When the Chicago Blackhawks traded star forward Artemi Panarin to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Brandon Saad, the hockey world was shocked. How did linemate Patrick Kane handle the trade, which sent his close friend packing?

On Sportsnet's The FAN 590 radio, Kane had this to say about the trade.

My first reaction was pretty emotional. It's too bad that we didn't have success in the playoffs to build on that even more, but as time goes on you understand the trade, and obviously we got a hell of a player back in (Brandon) Saad, and he's gonna bring a lot to our lineup as well.

Me and Artemi are very close. I mean, not only on the ice but off the ice as well. We like to kind of goof around with each other and I think he's a great kid. He's gonna have a great future. And, you know, sad to see him go, no doubt.

The Blackhawks made their best player Patrick Kane sad by trading his close friend.