Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Malaysia deports Saudi accused of prophet insult

Blackhawks sign Hossa to 12-year deal

Veteran forward, center Kopecky both leave Red Wings for division rival

Image: HossaGetty Images
Marian Hossa signed a 12-year deal with the Blackhawks.

CHICAGO - The Chicago Blackhawks dipped deep into the NHL free-agent market by signing star forward Marian Hossa away from the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday with a 12-year contract.

Hossa, who surprisingly took a one-year deal with the defending champion Red Wings last summer, cashed in this time. The four-time All-Star and 11-year NHL veteran has played on the Stanley Cup runner-up the last two seasons. The Blackhawks are his fourth team since 2008.

Chicago also signed center Tomas Kopecky, who, like Hossa, played last season with the Red Wings. He was knocked out of the playoffs after sustained injuries to his face during a fight with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin in the second round.

“To add Marian, an elite and world-class player, and Tomas, a Stanley Cup champion, to our exciting young core reinforces our commitment to try to win the Stanley Cup,” general manager Dale Tallon said.

The Blackhawks were hoping to re-sign last year’s leading scorer, Martin Havlat, who is also a free agent.

Hossa has played for Ottawa (1997-2004), Atlanta (2005-08), Pittsburgh (2008) and Detroit (2008-09), recording 719 points — 339 goals and 380 assists — in 775 regular-season games. He has appeared in 98 playoff games with 31 goals and 45 assists.

He led the Red Wings with 40 goals last season and was third on the team with 71 points. He had 15 points — six goals and nine assists — in the playoffs where the Red Wings were dethroned in the finals by the Penguins. He had no goals and three assists in the seven games against Pittsburgh, his former team.

Hossa was chosen by Ottawa in the first round of the 1997 draft.

Kopecky had 109 hits, six goals and 13 assists in 79 games for the Red Wings last season, his fourth with Detroit.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

advertisement
Video: NHL from NBC Sports
Gretzky says Cup race is wide open
In the latest NHL Network news update, Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky talks about the division races and how 22 teams have a shot to win it all this year.

Slideshow
Image: Chicago Blackhawks Marian Hossa of Team Chara celebrates his goal with New York Rangers Marion Gaborik during the NHL All-Star hockey game in Ottawa
  NHL All-Stars
Take a look at the players who competed in Team Chara's 12-9 victory over Team Alfredsson.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Stanley Cup Finals - Pittsburgh Penguins v Detroit Red Wings - Game Seven
  Sid the Kid
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has gone from phenom to Stanley Cup champion.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Washington Capitals Ovechkin celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during Game 5 in Washington
  Alexander the Great
Take a look at Capitals star and two-time MVP Alexander Ovechkin

more photos

Slideshow
Pamela Anderson
  Celebrity fans
Some of Hollywood's hottest celebrities take in NHL games.
Slideshow
Colorado Avalanche v Anaheim Ducks
  Icy Hot
Check out the ice girls from around the National Hockey League.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos