81 Marian Hossa RW

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.

Blackhawks' Marian Hossa: Will sit out of Worlds

At the age of 38, Hossa is going to leave it to the young guys to lead the Slovakian team at Worlds. The veteran winger shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, as he recorded 26 goals and 19 assists this season, even though he was held pointless during the the first-round sweep by the Preds.

Blackhawks' Marian Hossa: Resting Thursday

The Blackhawks are locked in as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, so it wouldn't be surprising if they opted to shut Hossa down for the final two games of the regular season. Either way, the Slovakian winger will be ready to rock for Game 1 of Chicago's first-round playoff series.

Blackhawks' Marian Hossa: Two power-play points in return

Despite missing the previous two games with a lower-body injury, Hossa was the only Blackhawk that didn't look out of sorts on the power play. His team's 2-for-7 effort with the extra man was a major reason for why it lost this contest despite holding a 44-15 advantage in shots. Hossa's 18:27 of ice time was the most he has received since Jan. 10, suggesting the Slovakian veteran is playing with no restrictions.