81 Marian Hossa RW

Blackhawks' Marian Hossa: Playing days over

Due to the nature of Hossa's ailment -- essentially an allergic reaction to his hockey equipment -- he is unable to continue playing. The 39-year-old is still under contract for two more seasons at a cap hit of $5.275 million -- a contract which the Blackhawks will either trade or receive relief from by placing him on long-term injured reserve. The three-time Stanley Cup champion racked up 525 goals and 609 assists in his illustrious 19-year career. Drafted by the Senators with the 12th overall pick of the 1997 NHL Draft, the winger went on to play for Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Detroit and finally Chicago, where spent the last eight years. Hossa stated his intention to return to his native Slovakia, but did say he would consider returning to the Blackhawks in a front office position following the conclusion of his contract.

Blackhawks' Marian Hossa: Status unchanged

According to general manager Stan Bowman, "There's no indications (Hossa's) going to play next year," which doesn't bode well for a return. The 39-year-old remains under contract with the Hawks through the 2020-21 season and could spend the next three years on long-term injured reserve. If the winger is unable to play again, he will retire with 525 goals and 609 assists in 1,309 career NHL games.

Blackhawks' Marian Hossa: Going on LTIR

The move is more of a formality at this point, as Hossa had already been ruled out for the 2017-18 season due to a progressive skin disorder, but it will also allow the Blackhawks to be more liberal with their transactions as the season begins. Rookie Alex DeBrincat and the returning Brandon Saad will be among the team's new additions looking to fill the void left by Hossa.

Blackhawks' Marian Hossa: Out for 2017-18 season

Hossa and the Blackhawks were very clear in their statements that his absence would be for the 2017-18 campaign, making no mention of retirement or the future. The winger registered 45 points in 73 contests this past year while averaging 16:51 of ice time -- production that will be sorely missed in Chicago. It's all but certain that the veteran will be placed on long-term injured reserve in order to give the 'Hawks additional cap space -- $5.275 million at the most -- which should give them some extra flexibility heading into the upcoming season.

Blackhawks' Marian Hossa: Allergy to equipment threatening career

According to Brian Hedger of NHL.com, Hossa indicated during a season-ending press conference that he still enjoys playing and expects to come back, but he's reportedly dealing with a fairly severe allergy that could threaten his career. Hossa took medication for the allergy over the course of this past season, which seems to give some optimism for a return, although it will be a situation to monitor over the offseason.