An excerpt from Globesports.com (Eric Duhatschek):
So Wednesday morning, as he drove into work at Joe Louis Arena, Holland was surprised when his cellphone rang. It was Winter, telling him that Hossa’s interest in the Red Wings was so genuine the player was prepared to talk about a one-year deal – and roll the dice on the future.
Because Holland didn’t want anyone on the team to earn more than team captain Nicklas Lidstrom’s $7.6-million salary, they settled on $7.45-million.
Even Holland couldn’t believe he’d actually scored such a coup. “Without Marian wanting to be a Red Wing, this day never happens,” he said.
Hossa, who talked repeatedly Wednesday about his desire to win a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings and received repeated telephone entreaties from Penguins captain Sidney Crosby to reconsider Pittsburgh, was asked: How did his agent respond to leaving all those dollars on the table?
“Sometimes, we were talking and shaking our heads at what we were doing, but I think this is the right decision,” Hossa said. “I just want to play for a team I think can win the Stanley Cup. I know it’s just one year, but I think we’ve got a really good chance.”