On June 21st the Chicago Blackhawks announced that they would be putting right-winger Marian Hossa on long term injured reserve due to a progressive skin disorder. The Blackhawks team physician, Michael Terry, said of the disorder “… becoming more and more difficult to treat and control with conventional medications while he plays hockey. Because of the dramatic nature of the medications required and their decreasing effectiveness, we strongly support his decision not to play during the 2017-18 season.”
BREAKING: The NHL has informed the #Blackhawks they're allowed to place Marian Hossa on LTIR, source says https://t.co/tgMm33EkLH
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) October 3, 2017
NHL confirm Chicago Blackhawks to put Marian Hossa on Long Term Injury Relief
Per deputy commissioner Bill Daley in mid-September Hossa underwent an independent medical evaluation to determine if he was LTIR eligible. If Hossa is not eligable for LTIR then his cap of $5.275 million would count against Chicago. The Blackhawks are already a team with some cap issues, so this would be a real problem for them.
From CSN-Chicago, “A team can be 10 percent over it during the summer, and a team must be at or below it the day the regular season begins. If the Blackhawks place Hossa on LTIR, it wouldn’t take effect until the second day of the regular season. So on Day 1 of the season, the Blackhawks would still be carrying Hossa’s $5.275 cap hit.”
I would be shocked if NHL report doesn’t reaffirm original CHI diagnosis on Hossa. I’m guessing Hossa will be eligible to be put on LTIR.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 2, 2017
As Bob McKenzie tweeted, it looks like the league is going to rule that Hossa is eligible for LTIR.
After playing in the NHL for almost 20 years, winning three Stanley Cups, scoring over 500 goals and 1000 points, it looks like Marian Hossa’s career is finally coming to a close.
Cap Space
They Blackhawks are likely to sign defenceman Cody Franson with some of the cap space they will be granted with the move. The remainder will be used for in season call-ups and moves at the NHL Trade Deadline.
Main Photo:
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 15: Marian Hossa #81 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center on December 15, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Blackhawks defeated the Islanders 5-4. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
