Hawks remain confident Hossa deal will stand

Even though Marian Hossa won't play until at least November because of shoulder surgery, the Blackhawks open training camp Sunday confident the 12-year, $62.8 million contract they gave the winger as a free agent on July 1 will hold up.

The NHL has been investigating Hossa's deal for months, puzzling the Hawks, even as other clubs have continued to sign players to similar front-loaded, long-term contracts.

The Vancouver Canucks just signed Roberto Luongo to a 12-year deal worth a reported $64 million that will find the goalie 42 years old when it expires.

"We're waiting to hear from them," Hawks general manager Stan Bowman said of the league. "Like we said when the whole thing first came out, we're confident that everything was fine with the contract. It was a legal contract, the league approved it and we're going to go forward."

Drop the puck: Training camp starts with a bang today with two scrimmages at Johnny's Ice House beginning at approximately 10:45 a.m., following a brief opening practice.

Today's session is open to the public, according to the Hawks, but those at the United Center will be closed.

Stan Bowman already has said these scrimmages are going to be important because there are only six exhibition games and just four before the Hawks head for Europe on Sept. 25.

Impact trade? The San Jose Sharks, one of the teams the Hawks figure to battle for the Western Conference title, appeared to get stronger Saturday by acquiring high-scoring winger Dany Heatley from the Ottawa Senators.

The Shark paid a stiff price, however, sending forwards Jonathan Cheechoo, Milan Michalek and a second-round draft pick to the Senators.