Patrick Kane was on the ice for the U.S. Olympic team orientation camp earlier this week. (Paul Beaty/Associated Press)

Buffalo's district attorney announced Wednesday that Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane has been indicted on misdemeanour assault and theft charges.

Frank Sedita III, the Erie County district attorney who presented his case to the grand jury last week, also said a more serious felony charge of second-degree robbery was dismissed.

Kane, 20, and his cousin, James Kane, 21, were arrested early Aug. 9 in Buffalo after 62-year-old driver Jan Radecki told police the men attacked him when he said he didn't have 20 cents change for their fare.

The Kanes were charged with felony robbery and misdemeanour counts of theft and criminal mischief. They pleaded not guilty.

They are scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.

Participating in the U.S. Olympic hockey camp in suburban Chicago on Wednesday, Kane said he had not heard any details about the indictment and wanted to first consult with his lawyer before making a comment.

"If the felony is dropped, that's obviously a positive step," Kane said. "The sooner it gets over, I think, the more everyone will be happy about it."

Sedita explained that a plea deal would be based in part on the victim's wishes and the severity of his injuries.

"As is the practice in all criminal cases, the assigned prosecutor and defence counsel will discuss a possible resolution of the case short of trial," Sedita said in a statement.

With files from The Associated Press