NHL: Marián Hossa signs 1-day contract to retire as Blackhawks member

On Thursday, Marián Hossa signed a one-day contract to mark his retirement with the Chicago Blackhawks. As announced, the Hockey Hall of Famer would retire on the same day.

Before the Blackhawks' game against the Seattle Kraken, Hossa received the ceremonial contract in the United Center Atrium. He is the fourth Blackhawks player who has 81 as jersey’s number that has been retired. He wore this number for the final seven seasons of his 19-year career in Chicago.

"The Blackhawks and the city of Chicago hold a special place in my heart," Hossa said in a statement. "Making the commitment to this organization in 2009 was the best decision I ever made. For all the memories my teammates and I made together, including three Stanley Cup wins, my family created just as many off the ice.

"For all the memories my teammates and I made together, including three Stanley Cup wins, my family created just as many off the ice. The fans embraced us as one of their own, treating us so kindly wherever we went. Retiring as a Blackhawk is a dream come true and I couldn't imagine officially ending my career in any other way. I would like to thank the Wirtz family for making this a reality and for all they have done for me since I signed with the team."

The 43-year-old had 525 goals and 609 assists (1,134 points) in 1,309 games for the Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers, Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, including 186 goals and 229 assists (415 points) in 534 regular-season tournaments for Chicago.

Hossa’s legacy with Blackhawks

In July 2009, Hossa signed a 12-year contract with the Blackhawks. He reached the NHL mountain top with three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015. The following season, he reached 500th career goal.

The Blackhawks announced Hossa had eczema and will miss the whole 2017-18 season in October 2014. In May 2018, he announced his retirement from the game, with three years left on his contract.

Despite the fact that Hossa was no longer able to perform and had been placed on long-term injury reserve due to his skin issue, he was conflicted about removing his no-movement provision and allowing the Blackhawks to transfer his deal. He eventually agreed, and in 2018, his contract was traded to the Arizona Coyotes. His goal was to finish his career with the Blackhawks.

With his 12-year tenure finally terminating at the end of last season, Hossa was able to sign with the Blackhawks, and it was just a timing issue to make it happen.

Hossa is widely regarded as one of the most significant free-agent acquisitions in Chicago sports history. After playing in two Stanley Cup Finals in a row with the Detroit and the Pittsburgh, he opted to sign with the Blackhawks in 2009 rather than with the Lightning.

"To me, the greatest free agent signing in Chicago sports history, Marian was the franchise's missing piece," Blackhawks chief executive officer Danny Wirtz said. "Both on and off the ice, he made an indelible mark on his teammates and our organization.

He helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup for the first time in 49 years with his two-way play the following season. Over the course of his career with the Hawks, he helped them win the Stanley Cup a further two times. His induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame took place just last year.