By AP
Detroit, MI –
CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Blackhawks are dipping deep into the
NHL free-agent market by signing star forward Marian Hossa away
from the Detroit Red Wings with a 12-year contract.
Hossa, who surprisingly took a one-year deal with the defending
champion Red Wings last summer, cashed in on Wednesday. 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.
"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.