The question for Detroit GM Ken Holland is whether he can fit Hossa’s contract into the club’s salary structure under the NHL’s salary cap.
The NHLPA will vote later this month on whether they want to invoke a 5% increase in the cap, but it will likely stay close to $56.7-million (all terms US) range next season or drop slightly.
Hossa would likely have to take less than the $7.45 million he made this season to get his wish of staying in Detroit.
To have a chance of fitting under the cap, the 29-year-old is going to have to accept a seven-year deal at less than $6 million.
Both sides are committed to keeping him in Detroit.
Needless to say, Hossa hitting the open market on July 1 would set off a bidding war.
Sources say the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens will all make a pitch for Hossa.
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