Hossa Signs Lucrative Deal With Blackhawks

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.