The NHL is expanding next season as it adds a new team, the Las Vegas Golden Knights. To fill out their roster, the league is holding an expansion draft that entitles the Golden Knights to select one player from each of the 30 current NHL teams. Find out how this could impact the Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa says he will not be able to play during the upcoming season due to severe side effects associated with medications he takes for a "progressive skin disorder."
"Over the course of the last few years, under the supervision of the Blackhawks medical staff, I have been privately undergoing treatment for a progressive skin disorder and the side effects of the medications involved to treat the disorder," Hossa said in a statement released by the team Wednesday. "Due to the severe side effects associated with those medications, playing hockey is not possible for me during the upcoming 2017-18 season. While I am disappointed that I will not be able to play, I have to consider the severity of my condition and how the treatments have impacted my life both on and off the ice."
Citing “several sources,” SportsNet reported Tuesday night Hossa “suffers from a serious allergic reaction to the equipment he wears.”
Chicago Blackhawks Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry said the disorder has become "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," Terry said. "We feel in the most certain terms this is the appropriate approach for Marian in order to keep him functional and healthy in the short term and throughout his life."
Chicago Blackhawks Vice President said theteam is "in full support of Marian Hossa as he addresses his medical issues."
"This is extremely difficult for us because we all know the incredible person and player that Marian Hossa is — competitive, loyal and humble. He has played a major role in the success our franchise has experienced in recent years, which makes his departure from our lineup a significant loss," the statement read. "His teammates and coaches know he battled through some very tough physical difficulties but never complained or missed games despite the challenges he faced. The organization will continue to provide him every resource he needs to maintain his health."
Local
Hossa thanked the Blackhawks organization, his teammates and fans for their support during this process. He declined to comment further on his health.
