Chicago Blackhawks Greatest 100-#13 Marian Hossa

The Chicago Blackhawks were missing one key piece in 2009 while assembling a talented, young team, and acquiring Marian Hossa filled that void — and more

The Chicago Blackhawks made a statement in 2009. They signed the best free agent available in Marian Hossa. Hossa was coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup appearances with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings.

Hossa signed a mega-contract with the Blackhawks. He signed for 12 years and $63.5 million. His contract told the NHL that the Blackhawks were no longer the laughingstock of the league, but were ready to win championships.

After signing that contract, nobody knew he would become arguably the greatest free agent signing in Chicago sports history. Hossa helped the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cup championships in six seasons. He helped deliver the Blackhawks their first championship in 49 years.

People forget that early in his career, Hossa was more of scorer/one-way forward. By the time he reached Chicago, he was a very good two-way forward. His highest Selke Trophy finish was in 2013-14, when he was fifth. I feel that Hossa never got enough credit outside of Chicago for how great of a two-way forward he has been.

He was most famous for his winning goal in the 2010 first-round Game 5 victory against the Nashville Predators. The celebration by Hossa is etched into every Blackhawks fan’s memory.

Hossa became the hero instead of the goat in that game. Hossa put the Blackhawks bad spot with a boarding penalty. He would be the hero and save the day in overtime.

In 2013, he helped extend the team’s points streak early in the season with a late goal against the Calgary Flames. The Blackhawks would go 24 regular-season games without a regulation loss, setting an NHL record. That season, Hossa would help the Blackhawks win their second Stanley Cup championship in the current era. Hossa would be on the line with Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad. That line would be one of the most dominate lines in the playoffs.

In 2014-15 at age 36, Hossa would help the Blackhawks win their third Stanley Cup championship of the current era. He was fourth in the playoffs in scoring and second in assists during the run.

In a Blackhawks uniform, Hossa scored his 500th goal and recorded his 1,000th career point. Did you know that Hossa has spent the most years of his career with the Blackhawks? He has spent eioght seasons with the ’Hawks.

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Nobody knew that Hossa was dealing with a skin issue that would cause him to miss time. The skin issue most likely has ended Hossa’s career. Hossa was like all shining stars in that he burned out too soon.