"Blackhawks star Patrick Kane still has a cast on his left wrist, but he has no doubts about being ready to play when the season opens Oct. 7.

''It's been a long time, and I'm anxious to start the season,'' Kane said Saturday as he and four teammates took part in Blackhawks Day at U.S. Cellular Field. ''I think I'll be ready right away. I think once I get this [cast] off, I'll be able to do pretty much anything. I practiced with the guys the other day, just trying to keep up with skating. I think just strengthening it will be the only thing.''

Kane had surgery to repair the fracture during an otherwise ''good summer,'' he said."