I think that its kind of an indication that Noel really is losingthe room. I don't think for a second that Kane is really the kind of guy that goes out of his way to have people not like him. While he may not think before he acts(ie. Money Phone), he may not have really thought about it if it was the common thought around the locker room.
No one goes out of their way to be disliked. Even the worst people somehow rationalize their actions.
No one acts that way on the ice, without having issues off the ice. Kane's on ice conduct after whistles borders on the worst in the NHL. You "DON'T THINK FOR A SECOND" this can translate into off ice problems?
We fans don't see what's going on in the dressing room. Few of us are out on the town socializing with the players, & for those that do, professional athletes will still have their guard up. What goes on in the dressing room, stays in the dressing room.
That's why it's hilarious to hear people complain about one dimensional answers from the team & team officials. What do you expect Noel, Kane or anyone to REALLY say when asked any question? It's always the same tripe. The players, the management, the coaching staff have all been trained in media relations. All we ever hear is the same scripted answers to any question that may be asked.
Players, coaches & management rarely divert from this. When someone does, something is VERY wrong. This is a team game. If a player violates this unwritten rule, there should be consequences.
Kane has already had a few issues covered up by management. You would think that he better than anyone would appreciate this & keep his mouth shut. He didn't. He vocally stated a version of events that contradicted what True North was selling.
Anyone else would have had their "healthy scratch" status confirmed by Noel verbalizing it for the games immediately following this incident.
I can understand everyone's position. Just months into being 22 he is in an elite class of NHL players & appears poised to make that next jump into the upper echelon of leagues best at some point very soon. Trading him & watching him explode elsewhere would shift enormous pressure onto Chevy, unless the deal is weighed heavily in our favour.
Personally for me if it's Kane vs. Noel, I'd keep Noel. If Noel goes, another coach inherits Kane. Make no mistake, Kane threw Noel under the bus. Why?
As it stands Kane has nothing to complain about anyways. The teams play to a large degree already complements his skill set. He is being used in every possible scenario & is excelling. So if nothing is wrong, why would a player of his talent ever be a healthy scratch?
Attitude. Plain & simple. Kane's actions DURING the game brought this behind the scenes message front & centre.
The pressure is on & something has to give.