Report: Marian Hossa medically cleared by Blackhawks

It appears Marian Hossa has taken a big step in his recovery from a concussion, as he has been medically cleared by the Chicago Blackhawks, according to a report from Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune.

If only there were actual games for him to play in.

According to a source, #Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa has been medically cleared by team following recovery from concussion.

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) December 12, 2012

That's certainly good news for Hossa and the Blackhawks, and it's a sign that he could soon be back on the ice for the Blackhawks. That is, of course, assuming the 2012-13 season ever starts.

Hossa suffered the concussion during Chicago's Western Conference Quarterfinal series against the Phoenix Coyotes last spring when he was on the receiving end of an illegal hit by Raffi Torres (shown above).

Hossa had to be taken off on a stretcher and did not play for the remainder of the series.

Torres was initially suspended for 25 games, but that was eventually reduced to 21 games. That suspension was designed to keep him out for the remainder of the playoffs no matter how far Phoenix went (it made it to Game 5 of the Western Conference Final) and will carry over to the first eight games of the regular season.

In 81 games last season, Hossa scored 29 goals to go with 48 assists.

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