Newly acquired Blackhawks Star Marian Hossa Might Need Surgery

Sports Betting News - July 22nd, 2009 - Written by Bruce

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired one of the best players in the NHL this off season when they signed Marian Hossa to a huge 12 year $62.8 million deal. The team is now surprised to learn that Hossa has an injured left shoulder. When they signed him they were unaware of the injury and are definitely hoping that it will not end up being a major injury for their new star. The exact severity of his injured shoulder is not yet known but surgery has not been ruled out as an option. Last year Hossa played for the Detroit Red Wings and it is believed that the injury occurred during the playoffs. Hossa finished last season with 40 goals and 31 assists for the Red Wings who lost in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Hossa has become one of the NHL's most consistent players since being drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. His best season with the Senators was in 2003 when he had 45 goals and team leading 80 points. Hossa made the All Star team that year which is one his four career All Star appearances. On the trade deadline in the 2008 the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Hossa in a multi player trade. He missed some early games that season but went on to have an excellent year and again made the All Star team. Hossa helped lead the Penguins all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals playing amazing for them in the playoffs. He had a remarkable 12 goals in the playoffs which almost was enough to carry the Penguins to a title. Ultimately, they lost in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals to the Detroit Red Wings.

After the 2008 season, Hossa was reportedly offered a five year contract extension to stay with the Penguins. He decided he would have a better chance to win the Stanley Cup if he played for the defending champion Red Wings so he accepted a one year offer to play for them. Ironically the two teams met again in last year's Stanley Cup finals. In a seemingly ironic outcome Hossa was again on the losing team as the Penguins went on to win the Stanley Cup Finals in an exciting 7 game series. Hossa faced plenty of criticism for changing teams and ended up being on the losing side of the finals for the second straight year. The Blackhawks surely hope that Hossa will be healthy enough this season to help them make a run at the Stanley Cup.