Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks
Jun 19, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) warms up before game four of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports
Like they did after their Cup victory in 2010, the Hawks are going to have to make some changes to their roster. As valuable as Hossa is to the team, his cap hit is big and lasts for a long time. He also has one of those contracts that goes until he is 42 years old, with minimal salary over the last few years, which might be subject to the new Salary Cap recapture penalties.
His buyout would cost the Blackhawks just over $21M, and would free up $5.275M in cap space for the next 8 years. At 34 years of age, this might be one the Hawks have to swallow and cut the cheque.