Marian Hossa to miss next season

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Marian Hossa’s distinguished career in the National Hockey League might be over.

The former Portland Winterhawks forward announced Wednesday that he will not play for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2017-18 NHL season because of a skin condition.

Hossa released this statement:

“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. 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.”

A key member of the Winterhawks’ 1998 Memorial Cup championship team, Hossa has played 19 seasons in the NHL and won three Stanley Cup titles with the Blackhawks.