Hossa, Kopecky bring experience to Blackhawks

Marian Hossa has been a Blackhawk for only a few weeks, but there's one thing he has already learned.

Things can change quickly with this franchise.

When Hossa signed with the Hawks as a free agent July 1, Dale Tallon was the general manager.

When Hossa finally got to town Thursday for his introductory news conference at the United Center, welcoming him at the podium was Stan Bowman, the new GM.

Hossa's reaction?

"It's hard for me to judge something because I wasn't here," Hossa said. "This is my first day in Chicago, but I'm sure the changes are going to be great for the future of the franchise.

"Dale, from what I understand, is going to still be with the organization. I think Stan is going to do a great job and the future is bright and we're going forward."

The Hawks' future is brighter with the addition of Hossa, a five-time all-star who three times in his career has scored 40 or more goals, including last season with Detroit.

"It's still hard to believe we're adding him to our lineup," Bowman said. "He's an elite offensive player, but he does play both ways, which makes him one of the best players in the league."

Hossa signed the richest contract in franchise history, a 12-year deal worth $62.8 million, boosting expectations for the Hawks even higher. Now he is on the spot to deliver.

"Obviously, they expect me to score goals, but I will try to bring a little bit of everything," Hossa said. "Definitely this organization is going in the right direction. They've got very young and electrifying players who play with a lot of heart and power.

"Playing last year against this team wasn't easy. Hopefully we can bring some experience."

Hossa was referring to himself and Tomas Kopecky, the versatile forward who also was introduced at Thursday's news conference. Kopecky talked about bringing more "physicality" to the Hawks and being ready to play good defense.

"That's what I learned in Detroit and will try to bring that to Chicago," Kopecky said.

"Tomas is a very versatile player, and knowing the way that Joel (Quenneville) likes to coach, it's good to have those players you can use in different situations," Bowman said. "He's a big guy, and we've talked a lot about getting bigger up front.

"In those playoff battles you need to have size and strength and those players willing to compete, and he's certainly willing to do that. I think he's underrated with his skill level. He's a very good player and he also knows his role, which is important.

"We think with the addition of Marian and Tomas it's going to help put us over the edge."

To get over that edge, the Hawks are going to need to beat the Red Wings, who not only lost Hossa and Kopecky but also Mikael Samuelsson to Vancouver and possibly Jiri Hudler to Russia.

"Detroit is very experienced, but Chicago is young and has a lot of energy," Hossa said. "We're going to go slowly up the hill and hopefully reach our goal."

Hossa, 30, was asked if he planned to play out his 12-year contract, which would see him in a Hawks uniform through the 2020-21 at age 42.

"Last year I played with one guy and he was 47," Hossa said, referring to Chris Chelios. "I would hope to play as long as I can."

Blackhawks convention

Where: Hilton Chicago

When: Today, 3 p.m. (opening ceremonies at 5 p.m.); Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are sold out.

Highlights: Approximately 25 current players, more than 25 Hawks alumni, coaches, team executives and broadcasters will participate in various question-and-answer panels and autograph and photo sessions.

There will be an interactive area, more than 60 vendors and live and silent auctions.

The Blackhawks Bash, featuring music, signing and dancing, is from 7-10 p.m. Saturday.

A detailed schedule of events is available at chicagoblackhawks.com.