All right listen up because I am only going to say this once:
Marin Hossa is the final link for the Blackhawks! Everybody get that?
After I heard the news of Hossa’s 12 year, $62.8 million deal with the Blackhawks, I was ecstatic. And every Chicago Blackhawks fan should be. Hossa is one of the best players in the NHL, and almost every team in the NHL would love to have him. The only downside of the move for the Blackhawks is the departure of Martin Havlat. I loved Havlat, because of the way he played. He was such an offensive threat, and was a great part of the team’s nucleus last year. And there is a lot of good hockey left in him.
But as much as I love Martin Havlat, Marain Hossa is better. 11 times out of 10, I would take Hossa over Havlat. And so would the Blackhawks organization. This move not only makes the Blackhawks a Stanley Cup favorite, but shows the organization commitment to the goal of winning a Stanley Cup. It is a great thing for not only the Blackhawks but the entire city of Chicago.
In his 11 year career in the NHL, Hossa has made 4 NHL all-star games. He scored 40 goals and had 71 points for the Red Wings last year. That is big time play. Hossa knows how to play hockey. And now is coming to a young team that wants to win. This is a great match.
The biggest concern I have about this deal, is the trouble it may cause next season when Patrick Kane, Jonathan Towes, and Duncan Keith all are up for new contracts from the Blackhawks. The question is how will the Hawks keep the nucleus of their team intact, without going over the salary cap. I can guarantee the team is not going to let the future of the organzation (Towes and Kane) get away.
However, with next year’s contract issues a year away, the Hossa deal is a good one for the Blackhawks from a money standpoint. Hossa will earn most of his $62.8 million during the first few seasons of the 12 year deal. In other words, while he is in his prime he will earn the most money. That is a brilliant move from the Blackhawks.
There is no doubt that the acquisition of Hossa makes the Chicago Blackhawks better. But does it win them the Stanley Cup? We will have to wait for the NHL season to answer that question. But I will say this: The Hawks are my pick for next year.
So until next time…….
