Evander Kane (9) celebrates his goal Feb. 4. ©2016, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres suspend Evander Kane for missing practice

BUFFALO – The Sabres suspended Evander Kane for tonight’s road game against the Ottawa Senators after the winger “slept in” and missed practice Monday, coach Dan Bylsma said.

A “disappointed” Bylsma said Kane called him and general manager Tim Murray in the morning and told them he wouldn’t be coming to practice.

“Broke a team rule,” Bylsma said inside the First Niagara Center. “We’ll be dealing with it internally.”

Following the Sabres’ 4-1 home win against Colorado on Sunday afternoon, Kane flew to Toronto and attended the NBA All-Star Game. The 24-year-old posted video of the game and the surroundings on Snapchat and also of himself and some friends drinking and partying in what appeared to be nightclub.

By early Monday afternoon, the video had been shortened. Several parts, including an empty bottle of Cognac, had been taken out.

Bylsma said he knows someone with Twitter and is aware of the videos. Right now, Kane is only suspended for one game, he said.

Attending the game wasn’t a problem, Bylsma said.

“He could’ve made it to the game just fine and made it back,” he said.

Kane returned from Toronto in October after chartering a helicopter to a Blue Jays playoff game and documenting the experience on social media.

The Sabres, of course, knew Kane came with baggage when they acquired him from Winnipeg last year. Still, Kane transitioned smoothly to the Sabres earlier this season after wearing out his welcome with the Jets. Now, he’s gotten into trouble twice in less than two months.

Kane’s still subject of a sex offense investigation by Buffalo police following an alleged incident at a downtown hotel Dec. 27. In a statement the next day, he said did nothing wrong and looks forward to clearing his name. Kane has not been charged with a crime.

The seven-year veteran has been perhaps the Sabres’ hottest player, compiling five goals in the last six games. Overall, he has 16 goals and 24 points in 47 games.

In other news, center Johan Larsson practiced Monday and will likely play tonight after a lower-body injury sidelined him two games, Bylsma said. Rookie winger Justin Bailey is still with the Sabres.

Bylsma also said goalie Robin Lehner will start his second straight game.

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