NHL: Hossa eligible for long- term IR
The NHL finally declared Marian Hossa eligible for longterm injured reserve Tuesday, which will free up $ 5.275 million in salary- cap space for the Blackhawks. Coach Joel Quenneville said the Hawks will put Hossa on LTIR on Wednesday.
In the meantime, the Hawks sent forward Alex DeBrincat and defenseman Gustav Forsling to Rockford in what are paper only transactions, cap maneuvering so they can get below the $ 75 million limit by the deadline Wednesday. Then they’ll put Hossa on LTIR to maximize the amount of relief and flexibility they’ll get before officially recalling DeBrincat and Forsling in time for their season opener Thursday against the Penguins.
The machinations will free up as much as $ 3 million, according to capfriendly. com, some of which will go to defenseman Cody Franson, who will be signed off his player- tryout agreement.
Hossa announced in June that he would sit out the 201718 season because of a skin disorder and the side effects of the medication he took for it. The NHL conducted its own medical investigation into Hossa’s situation and reached the same conclusion as the Hawks. Hossa has four years left on the 12- year contract he signed before the 200910 season.
In other news, former Hawks winger Bryan Bickell reportedly will sign a one- day contract to retire with the team. Bickell played nine seasons with the Hawks and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2016.