The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that right wing Marian Hossa will undergo surgery tomorrow, Friday, July 24, on his right shoulder to repair a small tear in his rotator cuff.

"Marian's injury did not respond sufficiently to our non-operative treatment over the last three weeks so we have collectively decided today to go ahead with the surgery," Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman said. "Marian is a franchise player and we want what is best for him and the Blackhawks long-term. This was a mutual decision and one we feel very confident is the right one."

"Marian has a small right rotator cuff tear that he has been battling for a while and because he is not at 100 percent with non-operative treatment he is undergoing operative treatment tomorrow," Blackhawks Head Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry said. "With this type of tear we anticipate a four month post-operative recovery period, after which we expect his shoulder to be 100 percent. This is the best thing for Marian and his career long-term."

"After consulting with my family and the Blackhawks, I have no doubt that this is the correct decision," Hossa said. "I plan on being a member of the Blackhawks for a very long time, which is why I want to get this done and begin my career in Chicago at 100 percent."

Hossa, 30, has registered 719 points (339G, 380A) in 775 career regular-season National Hockey League games over 11 seasons with the Ottawa Senators (1997-2004), Atlanta Thrashers (2005-08), Pittsburgh Penguins (2007-08) and Detroit Red Wings (2008-09). The Trencin, Slovakia native has also appeared in 98 career Stanley Cup Playoff games (31G, 45A), which includes reaching the Finals in each of the last two seasons. He led Detroit in goals (40) and finished third in points (71) during the 2008-09 regular-season before chipping in 15 points (6G, 9A) while appearing in all 23 of the team’s postseason tilts.