Wings’ Ken Holland: No agreement in place with Marian Hossa

Earlier today a report by Michael Farber of SI.com reported that the Wings would likely re-sign Hossa:

While nothing will be announced during the Stanley Cup final, unrestricted free agent Marian Hossa likely will be signing a long-term deal, believed to be seven years, to stay with the Red Wings.

Interesting as it appeared that Eric Duhatschek had confirmed this a few days ago during an interview on TSN.  He too said that the Wings expect to get something done after the July 1st free agent period begins.

But later today we got this report saying:

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said Tuesday he does not have a contract agreement in place with forward Marian Hossa, contrary to a report by Sports Illustrated.

SI’s Michael Farber wrote: “While nothing will be announced during the Stanley Cup final, unrestricted free agent Marian Hossa likely will be signing a long-term deal, believed to be seven years, to stay with the Red Wings.”

“There is no agreement on a deal,” Holland said. “We’ve never had conversations about a seven-year deal in the three months I have talked to him. No truth to it.”

For complete story, click here.

Now while he said there is no truth to them discussing a possible 7 year deal, perhaps GM Ken Holland is being a bit coy and literal as the terms of any long term deal are likely to be in the 10 year range.  The cap hit of 7 years versus 10 years is significant and if Wings GM Holland has proven anything, it is that he is a master of working within the NHL’s salary cap.

Do IC readers think the Wings should re-sign Hossa?