Hossa fine with any role Chicago Blackhawks have in mind
Marian Hossa has been a top-line player for almost his entire 18-year career, but the aging Chicago Blackhawks forward may be taking on a new role this season.
And he's totally fine with that.
"Wherever I play I'll be happy," Hossa said Friday as the Hawks kicked off their annual fan convention at the Hilton Chicago.
Coach Joel Quenneville said he'd like to see the 37-year-old forward on the third line with center Marcus Kruger. It's a combination that worked well late in the Hawks' first-round playoff series with St. Louis.
"Maybe he carves out a different niche," Quenneville said of Hossa. "I still see him producing, whether he's playing against other teams' best players, whether it's 13 or 20-something (goals), we're still going to get a pretty good game with the puck."
Hossa managed just 13 goals last season and converted on 6.8 percent of his shot attempts. Both numbers were career lows.
"I definitely have more than 13 (in me), but I don't want to put too many things in my head offensively," he said. "I'll just play my game and good things will happen."
As for how long he will play and whether he can complete a contract with five years remaining, Hossa reiterated what he told reporters late last season, that he takes things year by year.
"For 37, feel pretty good," he said.
Best yet:
General manager Stan Bowman said he felt the team's prospect camp was the best one he has seen.
"The scrimmages were high paced for summer hockey," Bowman said. "Some of these guys hadn't played in awhile, but I thought it was very entertaining."
Bowman went on to say he felt Tanner Kero, Vinnie Hinostroza and Ryan Hartman were "exceptional," before quickly adding forwards Tyler Motte and Nick Schmaltz and defenseman Gustav Forsling to that group.
No second city:
Patrick Kane said he's really enjoying spending the summer in Chicago. The Hart Trophy winner said he has been working out with defenseman Brian Campbell.
Away from the gym, Kane has enjoyed golfing in the suburbs and going out on Lake Michigan.
"Chicago's just a great city," he said. "Why wouldn't you want to spend the summer here?"
Slap shots:
Mark McNeill and the Blackhawks came to terms on a one-year deal Friday. The 23-year-old winger led the Rockford IceHogs with 25 goals last season and 23 in 2014-15. The Hawks took McNeill with the 18th overall selection in the 2011 draft. … Tickets to the Blackhawks' Training Camp Festival at the United Center on Sept. 24 went on sale. They are $5 and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location or by calling 800-745-3000.