Blackhawks' Hossa will miss 2017-18 season due to skin disorder

Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa will miss the entire 2017-18 NHL season due to a progressive skin disorder and the side effects of the medications used to treat it, the Blackhawks and Hossa announced Wednesday in a joint statement.

"Over the course of the last few years, under the supervision of the Blackhawks medical staff, I have been privately undergoing treatment for a progressive skin disorder and the side effects of the medications involved to treat the disorder," Hossa said. "Due to the severe side effects associated with those medications, playing hockey is not possible for me during the upcoming 2017-18 season. While I am disappointed that I will not be able to play, I have to consider the severity of my condition and how the treatments have impacted my life both on and off the ice."

Despite his health struggles, Hossa still played in 73 of the team's 82 games last season, contributing 26 goals - good enough for third on the team - and another 19 assists.

"This is extremely difficult for us because we all know the incredible person and player that Marian Hossa is - competitive, loyal, and humble," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. "He has played a major role in the success our franchise has experienced in recent years, which makes his departure from our lineup a significant loss.

"His teammates and coaches know he battled through some very tough physical difficulties but never complained or missed games despite the challenges he faced. The organization will continue to provide him every resource he needs to maintain his health."

Team physician Dr. Michael Terry "strongly supports" Hossa's decision to sit out next season, calling it "the appropriate approach for Marian in order to keep him functional and healthy in the short term and throughout his life."

The 2017-18 campaign marks the ninth year of Hossa's 12-year, $63.3-million contract, leaving three more seasons after that with a cap hit of $5.275 million.