Marian Hossa could have gotten a multiyear deal for big money and a smaller chance at an elusive Stanley Cup ring. One year in Hockeytown turned out to be a much better offer.
Hossa, one of the top forwards available on the NHL free-agent market, agreed to terms on a one- year, $7.45 million deal with Detroit on Wednesday. It was the Red Wings who beat Hossa and the Penguins in six games during the Stanley Cup Finals last month.
“It was a really tough decision for me to make,” Hossa said. “When I compared the two teams, I felt like I would have a little better of a chance to win the Cup in Detroit.”
Meanwhile, the Penguins re-signed Evgeni Malkin, who agreed to a five-year extension worth $43.5 million, and retained defenseman Brooks Orpik with a six-year, $22.5 million deal.
In other notable moves:
• The Rangers sent blue-liners Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman to the Blue Jackets for high- potential forward Nikolai Zherdev and center Dan Fritsche.
• Prime agitator Sean Avery left New York to sign a four-year, $15.5 million deal with the Stars.
• Blue Jackets defenseman Ron Hainsey agreed to terms on a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Thrashers.
• The Islanders signed center Doug Weight to a one-year deal worth $1.75 million plus incentives.
