This might be one of the most bizarre hockey stories you’ll ever read. Marian Hossa may have to retire prematurely from the NHL due to an allergy he is suffering from the equipment he wears.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Hossa has a “serious allergic reaction” to his equipment and it’s serious enough to require medication. That very medication used to combat the allergy is reportedly potent enough that Hossa has to have his blood tested every couple weeks to check for side effects. The report indicates that doctors are concerned about Hossa taking the medication for too long of a period, which is why the speculation is that Hossa may hang up his skates and call it a career.
Via Friedman:
“The sources who confirmed the allergy stressed not to make fun of it, with one saying, “It’s only funny to anyone who’s never had it.” Details are sketchy, because no one would give full information, but the medication necessary to combat the allergy is potent enough that doctors wanted his blood tested every few weeks to make sure there were no major side effects.
That’s very serious stuff, and word is doctors worried about Hossa taking the medicine for extended periods of time.”
That’s pretty scary. There haven’t been any previous reports regarding an allergy and Hossa, which makes it sound like this has developed rapidly over a very short period of time. After 1,309 career games, Hossa’s career might come to a bizarre end.
If Hossa was forced to retire, it puts the Chicago Blackhawks in an odd spot. Technically, they could place him on long-term injured reserve which is a move the league has already seen in other “retired” players such as Chris Pronger. That move would protect the Blackhawks from facing any cap penalties if Hossa truly can’t play again. Should he actually retire, the Blackhawks would be hit with a cap penalty which would effectively shrink their annual salary cap by $3.675 million each season. That’s a recipe for disaster considering the Blackhawks’ constant cap crunch.
Regardless, here’s hoping that Hossa is able to figure out this crazy allergy without doing any serious harm to his body. After a truly incredible career, Hossa should be able to go out on his terms.
