CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks say recently signed right wing Marian Hossa will undergo surgery Friday on his right shoulder to repair a small tear in his rotator cuff.
Team physician Dr. Michael Terry said in a statement the recovery usually takes about four months, meaning Hossa probably won't be ready for the opener against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 2.
The Blackhawks knew about the injury when they signed the five-time all-star to a 12-year, US$62.8-million contract on July 1 and were hoping to avoid an operation. But his shoulder did not respond well enough to treatment the past few weeks.
"After consulting with my family and the Blackhawks, I have no doubt that this is the correct decision," Hossa said in a statement. "I plan on being a member of the Blackhawks for a very long time, which is why I want to get this done and begin my career in Chicago at 100 per cent."
Hossa signed with the Blackhawks after helping the Red Wings reach the Stanley Cup finals, where they lost to Pittsburgh. He led Detroit with 40 goals last season and was third with 71 points.
Hossa's arrival coincided with the departure of Blackhawks forward Martin Havlat, who signed with Minnesota. The Blackhawks hope Hossa will give them even more punch to a team that reached the Western Conference finals last season.
"Marian is a franchise player and we want what is best for him and the Blackhawks long term," general manager Stan Bowman said. "This was a mutual decision and one we feel very confident is the right one."
