Blackhawks' Patrick Sharp combats 'untrue' rumors about personal life

Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks has been the subject of a variety of rumors in recent weeks and the winger is none too pleased about it. It's not the recent trade rumors that his name came up in, but a series of more serious rumors that involved his personal life. Despite these rumors originating from less-than-credible sources, they have spread enough that Sharp felt the need to respond publicly.

Sharp spoke with local media after the team's practice Sunday in Chicago to combat the rumors.

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"It's been tough," Sharp said Sunday at Johnny's IceHouse West. "As a hockey player, as a professional, you're out there and you're up for grabs for on-ice play. I'm OK with that. Trade rumors, talk about my play on the ice — I'm fine with that, I can handle that. But when people delve into your personal life and make up rumors and things that are completely false and untrue, it takes a toll on you. And it takes a toll on your family, your friends, and it's completely unnecessary. It's been tough, but I know I've got a strong group of teammates here, we're going to stick together.”

The rumors have ranged from infidelity to rifts with teammates and have spread like wildfire on social media and the Intenet. One Web site listed numerous alleged incidents. Sharp said he is considering legal action to stop the spread of the rumors.

“You hear things said about people all the time, it's like anybody can type something on a computer and get away with it and not be held responsible or accountable,” Sharp said.

Sharp's name also surfaced in trade rumors over the weekend as well with the Blackhawk reportedly discussing a potential deal with the Washington Capitals. However, as Elliotte Friedman reported on Hockey Night in Canada Saturday, Sharp had not been asked to submit a list of teams he would accept a trade to. According to Friedman, Sharp's limited no-trade clause requires that the team approach him 48 hours before making a trades. Having not done that by 3 p.m. ET Saturday, he can't be moved.

It has been a trying season for Sharp, who missed significant time with an injury earlier in the year. On top of that, his per-game production is at its lowest point since his first full season with the Blackhawks in 2006-07.

The veteran forward admitted to reporters that he felt the off-ice distractions caused by the rumors have impacted his play on the ice.

Sharp has 32 points in 49 games. Despite his production struggles, he remains a vital piece of Chicago's top six and is only more important now that Patrick Kane is on the shelf long-term.