Hossa happy with decision to have surgery
Marian Hossa, speaking for the first time since undergoing right shoulder surgery July 24, said Friday it was his idea to have the operation when it became evident he wouldn't be able to play with it.
"It was my decision because when I tried to lift something it was getting really bad," Hossa said. "It was so weak. The smartest idea was to do it ahead of time and I'm happy with that decision."
Hossa played with shoulder pain all last season with Detroit, scoring 40 goals during the regular season. He was able to make it through the playoffs, taking anti-inflammatory pills daily, but he didn't score a goal in the Red Wings' Stanley Cup Finals loss to Pittsburgh.
"It was getting worse and worse last year," Hossa said. "When it came to the playoffs, I was taking anti-inflammatory basically every day."
Hossa is rehabbing daily and expects to join the Hawks lineup in late November or early December.
"It's going pretty smoothly actually," Hossa said. "The doctor said everything is going as scheduled so we can be happy about that. Right now, I'm working my lower body, doing lots of bicycling and rehabbing every day. I want to make sure it's 100 percent when I step on the ice again."
A durable player throughout his career, it's tough for Hossa to watch training camp, especially coming to a new team as the highest paid player in franchise history thanks to his 12-year, $62.8 million contract.
"You'd like to be there with the guys playing from the beginning," Hossa said. "In 12 years in the league this is the first time I missed training camp. I'd rather be with the guys traveling to Europe, but this is something I need to do to make sure it will help me and help the team for the future."
Injury update: Adam Burish underwent successful surgery on his right knee Friday to repair a torn ACL.
"We anticipate him back and ready to play in six months," Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry said.
Kris Versteeg took part in Friday's morning skate but wasn't in the lineup against Minnesota.
Versteeg, who suffered an upper body injury in the preseason opener against Washington, is hoping to be ready for the regular-season opener next Friday, but that's no guarantee.
"We're aiming, obviously, for the start of the season, but it all depends on how it comes along," Versteeg said.
Dustin Byfuglien (groin) and Jack Skille (lower body) didn't practice Friday but are expected to be ready to play next week, coach Joel Quenneville said.
Waiver pickup: The Hawks claimed winger Radek Smolenak on waivers from Tampa Bay.
Smilenak is a minor league veteran who has 281 penalty minutes in 147 American Hockey League games with 39 goals and 36 assists.
No decision: Joel Quenneville didn't mince words Friday when asked where the backup goalie battle stood between Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi.
"Tied," Quenneville said.
Crawford and Niemi will split Monday's exhibition game in Switzerland against HC Davos in what's expected to be the last time they play in the preseason.