Hawks teammates will be with grieving Kane in spirit

GLENDALE, Ariz. — It will be ‘ ‘ business as usual,’’ as captain Jonathan Toews put i t, when the Blackhawks hit the i ce against the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday night at Jobing.com Arena without winger Patrick Kane. But their hearts also will be with their teammate, who will be i n Buffalo, N.Y., for his grandfather’s funeral.

‘‘I think moments like this make you realize there’s more to life than hockey, and family’s far and away most important,’’ Toews said.

‘‘It’s definitely important for him to go home and spend time with his family ... and we’ll be thinking of him [Friday].’’

After Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, Kane left the team for the funeral of his grandfather, Donald Kane, who died Monday in Buffalo at age 87.

‘‘He’s our buddy and we just want him to be with his family,’’ said goaltender Corey Crawford, who will start again Friday night. ‘‘It’s kind of hard to find something to say to him. He knows, though, that we’re very supportive of him. Anything he needs, we’re there for him.’’

Brandon Saad is expected to move up and take Kane’s secondline spot with Michal Handzus and Kris Versteeg. Brandon Pirri played on the third line in practice on Thursday.

The Hawks also could be without defensemen Johnny Oduya (lower body), who is doubtful, according to coach Joel Quenneville.

Hawks make trade: The Blackhawks and Islanders reached a deal Thursday night that will send forwards Peter Regin and PierreMarc Bouchard to Chicago for a fourth-round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.