He'll be the eighth player in Blackhawks history to receive the honor, joining Glenn Hall, Pierre Pilote, Keith Magnuson, Bobby Hull, Denis Savard, Stan Mikita, and Tony Esposito.
Hossa signed a one-day contract earlier Thursday to retire as a Blackhawk.
Marian Hossa’s first ballot Hall of Fame legacy is worth more than one night of recognition. It’s a legacy worthy of eternity. pic.twitter.com/JCnQh5SRxW
Hossa played eight seasons in Chicago before a skin condition cut his career short. He sat out the 2017-18 season, and the Blackhawks traded his contract to the Arizona Coyotes.
The Czechia native was a key piece of Chicago's dynasty in the early 2010s, winning three Stanley Cups and collecting 415 points in 534 regular-season games.
Hossa also suited up for the Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Detroit Red Wings in his 19-year career. He eclipsed 500 goals and 1,000 points and was a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2020.
"These past 19 years ... have been a privilege and one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable periods of my life," Wilson said. "I have been incredibly fortunate to work for and with some of the most talented and passionate people in the game of hockey."
The 64-year-old has been on medical leave since November. Assistant general manager Joe Will will continue to serve as interim GM until a new hire is in place.
"While I have made great progress over the last several months, I feel it is in the best interest of the organization and myself to step down from my current duties and focus on my health and full recovery," Wilson said. "I look forward to continuing my career in the NHL in the future."
Since Wilson took over as GM in 2003, the Sharks have earned 14 playoff berths, five division titles, and one Stanley Cup Final appearance. Only the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins won more regular-season games than the Sharks during Wilson's run, and only the Bruins, Pens, and Tampa Bay Lightning won more postseason contests.
Wilson made several savvy moves during his tenure, including one of the most lopsided trades in NHL history. In November 2005, he acquired Joe Thornton from the Bruins in exchange for Marco Sturm, Brad Stuart, and Wayne Primeau. Thornton went on to win the Hart Trophy that season and holds the franchise record for most assists.
Some of Wilson's other notable moves include drafting future captain Joe Pavelski in the seventh round in 2003 (his first draft as GM) and trading Charlie Coyle, Devin Setoguchi, and a first-round pick to the Minnesota Wild in 2011 for future Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns and a second-rounder.
"If there's one name you could think that's built this franchise from the bottom up, it's Doug Wilson," Sharks head coach Bob Boughner told NBC's Sheng Peng.
Sharks owner Hasso Plattner stated he'll immediately lead "an extensive, external search" for a new GM alongside Will and team president Jonathan Becher. No timeline has been set.
The Sharks missed the playoffs just once in Wilson's first 15 seasons but currently sit seventh in the Pacific Division and are on track to miss out for a third straight year. Veteran defenseman Erik Karlsson said the team should feel "uneasy" in light of Wilson's decision.
"If they bring in someone new, we all know what that means," Karlsson said, according to The Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka. "We're in a position right now where we haven't done very well for an extended period of time. ... Things are going to change, things are going to have to change."
If there's one axiom we've tried to push in this space, it's "You just never know."
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more impressive back-to-back result than what the Detroit Red Wings pulled off Tuesday and Wednesday. It was also the most unlikely.
The Wings (+160) were gracious hosts when, after six straight losses, they spotted the Bruins a pair of first-period goals at Little Caesars Arena.
But to say the Red Wings flipped a switch and ran the Bruins off the ice would be disingenuous. Although Detroit scored the next four goals on the way to a 5-3 skid-snapping victory, the star of the game was goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, who made 47 saves.
It's easy to write that off as a hot goaltender stealing a win, and with the Red Wings playing in Winnipeg the next night, the schedule spot seemed problematic. That was reflected in their +230 moneyline price, which was only a 6% value on our +175 fair-price projection.
Seven points out of a playoff spot with 12 games to go, the Jets should be desperate. Perhaps that narrative caused the small overcorrection in valuation.
The Jets were probably the better team in terms of creating scoring chances, but it was Thomas Greiss' turn to backstop the Red Wings to victory. While the score was 3-1, the expected goals suggested a slight edge to the Jets. At the big moneyline payout, win or lose, Detroit was a good bet. The hard part was ignoring the factors that would convince you not to make it.
This season's on-ice predictive metrics make up 80% of our total rating. Basing 20% of the ratings on preseason "priors" allows us to emphasize team metrics without going all-in on what's happened during this campaign, which is still a relatively small sample size that includes some tainted results from when COVID-19 ravaged lineups.
I also have a 5% win probability consideration for a side playing in the second game of a back-to-back with travel and 3% without travel.
How to use the guide
What follows is my fair price on the matchups (true moneyline) and the moneyline price I would need to bet on each side. I just need a 1% edge for a favorite if we're getting better than a fair price on the team more likely to win. For the underdog, I'll need 4% or better to make it a bet. You can establish your own threshold - you may decide on a higher cutoff for bigger underdogs, like 6%-7%. On games I've projected could be a near coin flip, a 2.5% edge is enough to make a wager worthwhile.
Thursday, April 8
GAME
WIN PROB.(%)
TRUE ML
PRICE TO BET
BOS@TBL
48/52
+108/-108
BOS +120/TBL +102
NYI@CAR
49.2/50.8
+103/-103
NYI +114/CAR +107
BUF@FLA
26.9/73.1
+272/-272
BUF +337/FLA -259
MIN@STL
50.9/49.1
-104/+104
MIN +107/STL +115
COL@WPG
54.5/45.5
-120/+120
COL -115/WPG +141
Compare the "Price to Bet" column with the prices the market offered. From there, compile a list of bets. The only reason not to make a bet is if our team ratings don't account for something - like a star player being a surprise scratch - or if you've put a team on the "Do Not Bet" list.
After you make your bets, come back before puck drop on game night to see if line moves created a valuable bet that wasn't there before. At that point, compare the price of your opening bet to its late price to see how much closing-line value you may be getting.
Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.
We have a juicy 10-game slate to look forward to Thursday night. Believe it or not, there's plenty of value in backing a pair of 40-win teams against bottom-dwellers.
The Hurricanes have dropped consecutive games, including a 4-2 defeat to these Sabres just a couple of days ago. Carolina rarely gets stuck in lengthy losing streaks, and I don't think that'll start now. Unfortunately, there isn't much value in backing the Canes for the entire game.
That means we're going to get creative and back the Hurricanes to win the opening period. With the Rangers hot on their tails, I think they know the importance of this game and will come out strong to get back on track.
If Buffalo's opening periods to date are any indication, Carolina's early efforts should be fruitful. The Sabres have conceded 76 goals in the first period this season, which is more than all but the Canadiens, Blue Jackets, and Devils.
The Sabres have also struggled offensively out of the gate. They've netted just 52 first-period goals, tying them with the Blackhawks for 26th. This hardly feels like the spot for a breakout, as no team has conceded fewer goals in the opening period than Carolina.
Given Carolina's first-period excellence, Buffalo's struggles, and the importance of this game, I expect the Hurricanes to come out and get an early lead on home soil.
The Senators have played very mediocre hockey of late. They've won five of the last 10 games and controlled just 49% of the expected goals at five-on-five during that span. Those are OK numbers, but nothing to write home about.
While the Predators haven't posted great underlying numbers of late either - especially on the road - this is a get-right spot for them.
As mentioned, this Ottawa team is nothing to be scared of, especially with its current injury situation. Tim Stutzle's status for tonight is in serious question following a knee injury suffered against Montreal on Tuesday. Drake Batherson is doubtful for the game as well.
Ottawa is a very top-heavy team. They go as their top players go, so these absences will be devastating. Stutzle is playing the best hockey of his career, having picked up 16 points over his last 16 games, while Batherson has developed into a very good top-line winger.
Suffice to say, the Senators will heavily miss those two players. Nashville's playoff spot is by no means secure. The Preds need all the points they can get and need to take advantage of this opportunity.
I don't think Nashville will blow Ottawa out of the rink, but they should take care of business within 60 minutes.
Bet: Predators in regulation (-110)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.
We have 10 games to look forward to on Thursday night, which means there is plenty of value on the board.
Let's zero in on three of my favorite shot totals to attack.
Teuvo Teravainen over 2.5 shots (-103)
Teravainen has cooled down a little bit, but his home numbers remain remarkably strong. He has registered at least three shots in 21 of 33 games in Carolina, good for a 64% success rate.
One of those home dates came against these same Buffalo Sabres. Unsurprisingly, it was a successful night at the office; Teravainen generated four shots on target.
The Sabres have tightened up defensively since that meeting but can still be targeted with shots. The Hurricanes generated 34 against them just a few days ago. I expect Carolina will hover around that number again in this game, which should be more than enough volume for Teravainen to come through.
Josh Norris over 2.5 shots (-139)
Norris has hit another level since Drake Batherson returned to the Ottawa Senators' lineup. He has registered at least three shots on goal in five consecutive games, averaging 7.2 attempts per contest. That's well above his season average of 4.7.
Look for Norris to stay hot at home and extend his streak to six.
Anze Kopitar over 2.5 shots (+100)
Kopitar and home shots go together like burgers and fries. They're a truly wonderful combo.
The Los Angeles Kings captain has been money at home all season, generating three or more shots in 24 of 37 games (65%). Of late, he's hit against the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers, so it's not as if he has just picked on the weak.
If you're worried about how well the Edmonton Oilers are playing, fear not. Kopitar has gone up against the Oilers three times this season; he totaled 11 shots and went over his total in each contest.
With the Kings in the thick of a heated playoff race, they're really leaning on Kopitar in close and important games. This one definitely profiles as such, so a few extra shifts could be heading Kopitar's way, making him an even more attractive option at +100.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.
Some nights, when Connor McDavid's really dialed in, his highlight reel resembles a Cirque du Soleil show. A generational talent with an entertainer's skill set, McDavid is a high-flying circus act in the absolute best possible way.
Conversely, seeing Patrice Bergeron do his thing for a full NHL game is akin to watching a woodworker construct and assemble a custom table from scratch.
You won't gasp in awe as Bergeron stretches out to eliminate a passing lane on the penalty kill. You won't jump out of your seat as the Boston Bruins captain applies back pressure on the power play. You won't bat an eye as the perennial Selke Trophy candidate wins a neutral-zone faceoff at even strength.
By the end of the game, though, you will appreciate Bergeron and his craftsmanship. Like the woodworker drilling perfect holes for the table legs or sanding the tabletop flawlessly smooth, Bergeron is meticulous and efficient. His superpower isn't speed or puck skills; it's his attention to detail.
Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
There's been plenty of digital ink spilled this season on the individual accomplishments of McDavid, Jonathan Huberdeau, Leon Draisaitl, Auston Matthews, and Roman Josi. The hype is warranted, too; these offensive dynamos have raised the league-wide scoring rate to a 25-year high.
With less fanfare, Bergeron has put on a show of his own. At 36 years old, the Bruins' longest-tenured player and first-line center is the clear front-runner for the Selke Trophy, which is awarded annually to the forward who "best excels in the defensive aspects of the game." If Bergeron receives a finalist nod, it'll be the 11th straight year (!) he's finished in the top three in voting. If he wins, he'll break away from Bob Gainey and stand alone in hockey history with five Selke honors.
As usual, what makes Bergeron's case compelling is the strong correlation between the eye test and his underlying numbers. His unrelenting motor, exemplary positioning, ability to force turnovers, and prowess in the faceoff circle - smaller details that frustrate opponents - also show up in the data.
With Bergeron on the ice at five-on-five, the 2021-22 Bruins have suppressed shot attempts, shots on goal, goals, and expected goals at elite levels. So elite, in fact, that Bergeron's on-ice defensive metrics tower over the 239 other forwards who've logged 700 minutes or more at five-on-five this season.
Seriously, Bergeron's in the 96th-to-100th percentile in all four categories:
There's no doubt Bergeron benefits from skating alongside stars. Brad Marchand has been on his wing for 621 of 771 five-on-five minutes. His next most common wingers - David Pastrnak, 362 minutes; Craig Smith, 192 - are no slouches. Yet the degree to which the ice tilts in Boston's favor when Bergeron's between the boards, no matter his linemates, is staggering.
Case in point: Bergeron ranks first among all NHLers - minimum 700 five-on-five minutes - in Corsi For Percentage Relative, according to Natural Stat Trick. It's a metric that aims to measure the gap in shot share when a player's on the ice versus when he's off it. The Bruins, generally an above-average possession team, see their share of attempts jump by a whopping 15.1% when Bergeron is patrolling all three zones. (For context, McDavid's at 6.4%.)
The stats suggest offenses typically go from generating a decent amount of scoring chances against the Bruins to almost none once No. 37 steps onto the ice. Bergeron kills that many opportunities.
Talking strictly goals for and against, Boston has potted 41 and allowed 22 with Bergeron on the ice at five-on-five. That's a 65% goal share. (In all situations, they're even better: 86 for, 41 against, or a 68% share.) Bergeron, who averages 18:18 of ice a night, largely against the opposition's top players, is also a key contributor to the NHL's eighth-ranked penalty kill.
Steve Babineau / Getty Images
Of course, Bergeron's gaudy underlying numbers are old news. He's been a dominant NHLer for a decade. What's special about 2021-22 is that he's on pace to set new personal bests in several defensive metrics despite being in his mid-30s and while contributing 54 points in 62 games. To boot, he's plus-334 in the faceoff circle for a league-leading 62.4% success rate.
Bergeron, a second-round pick of the Bruins in 2003, has never been fleet of foot. His so-so skating is offset by his next-level intelligence, hand-eye coordination, and stamina. Nobody plays mistake-free hockey, but he's close.
Marchand has written that former Bruins coach Claude Julien once told him to "look at Patrice and do everything exactly like he does it. You're not going to be the best player on the ice every single night, because Patrice is going to be the best player on the ice every single night. So, I want you to be the second-best."
Watching Bergeron do his thing, with a Stanley Cup, four Selkes, and nearly 1,400 total NHL games to his name, you can't help but wonder if we're witnessing arguably the greatest defensive forward of all time play the best defensive hockey of his career. At 36. In what's possibly his final season.
The answer may be "yes." At worst, he's crafted a bulletproof Selke case.
John Matisz is theScore's senior NHL writer. Follow John on Twitter (@MatiszJohn) or contact him via email (john.matisz@thescore.com).
Welcome to the sixth edition of theScore's Norris Trophy Power Rankings.
These rankings focus on analytics and the all-around ability of defensemen rather than just points or reputation.
xGF% = the share of expected goals a team produces while a player is on the ice at five-on-five
5. Adam Fox, Rangers
Jared Silber / National Hockey League / Getty
GP
G
A
ATOI
xGF%
68
10
57
24:04
49.9
Previous rank: 5th
Fox is not going to win the Norris for a second straight season, but he's still enjoying another stellar campaign. His sub-50 xGF% may seem like a red flag, but that's partially due to his surroundings, as the New York Rangers are routinely outplayed at five-on-five. His xGF% is the best among New York blue-liners and third among the team's skaters. Fox is going to need a miracle final month to get into the top three, though.
4. Charlie McAvoy, Bruins
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
GP
G
A
ATOI
xGF%
67
8
42
24:37
61.5
Previous rank: N/A
The acquisition of Hampus Lindholm from the Anaheim Ducks has worked wonders for McAvoy, who's registered 10 assists in seven games since the Swede joined. When the pair are on the ice together at five-on-five, the Boston Bruins have outscored opponents 8-3 with a 64.8 xGF%.
For the naysayers who believe these superb underlying numbers are due to sharing the ice with Patrice Bergeron, the Lindholm-McAvoy pairing has outscored opponents 5-2 with a 64.9 xGF% without Bergeron.
McAvoy previously had a revolving door of partners, including Matt Grzelcyk, Mike Reilly, and Derek Forbort. Now, with an established, rock-solid partner in his prime, it's clear McAvoy has unlocked another level to his game.
3. Victor Hedman, Lightning
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
GP
G
A
ATOI
xGF%
70
19
48
25:20
56.3
Previous rank: 2nd
Hedman's fall on this list is through no fault of his own. He's still having an impeccable season - arguably his best - and has even registered eightgoals and eight assists in 18 games since the last edition of these rankings.
The 31-year-old future Hall of Famer is still arguably the best defenseman on the planet - especially come playoff time - but he's only third-best as far as results this season go.
2. Roman Josi, Predators
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
GP
G
A
ATOI
xGF%
67
19
65
25:17
52.0
Previous rank: 4th
Josi is on an utterly ridiculous run. The 2020 Norris winner tallied 29 points in 15 games since the last edition of these rankings and is on pace for 100 points - which is flat-out unheard of in today's game. The only defensemen in NHL history to reach triple digits in points are Bobby Orr (six times), Paul Coffey (five times), Denis Potvin, Al MacInnis, and Brian Leetch. Leetch, in 1991-92, was the last to accomplish the feat.
Now, given the historical company he's in, how could Josi not be No. 1 on this list? Well, it wasn't an easy choice, but the man ahead of him is also enjoying a historically great season while posting better all-around two-way metrics.
Remember, this trophy is awarded to the defenseman "who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position." Josi is by no means a defensive liability, but having a crazy amount of points doesn't make him the all-around best defenseman.
Now, if the Norris took the definition of the Hart Trophy as "the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team," this would be a different story, since the Nashville Predators would probably be a lottery team without Josi. While Josi should absolutely be receiving some Hart Trophy love, there's still one player who has a slight edge when it comes to the Norris.
1. Cale Makar, Avalanche
Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty
GP
G
A
ATOI
xGF%
66
24
51
25:39
57.1
Previous rank: 1st
Makar is no slouch offensively and is on pace for 28 goals and 89 points. If he can get hot down the stretch and reach 30 goals, he'd be the third defenseman to do so in the past 30 years, joining Kevin Hatcher (1992-93) and Mike Green (2008-09).
But where Makar separates himself from Josi is in the underlying metrics. Makar leads all NHL defensemen in goals above replacement and expected goals above replacement. He's also superior to Josi in virtually every defensive metric, as well as takeaway/giveaway ratio and penalty differential. Plus, he's done this while playing against stiffer competition than Josi.
Josi is certainly more valuable to the Predators than Makar is to the Presidents' Trophy-contending Colorado Avalanche, but as far as the best all-around defenseman this season goes, that title currently belongs to Makar.
"To be honest, I don't think one word has been said since the game ended in the locker room. Not one word," Morrissey said postgame.
He added: "The reason for the silence is the frustration. Obviously, we can't afford to lose games right now, and that's a game we shouldn't lose. With their schedule and our desperation, they're playing on a back-to-back. It's frustrating."
The loss to the Red Wings - who sit 11th in the East with just 65 points through 71 games - was Winnipeg's third in a row overall. The Jets are now seven points back of the second wild-card spot in the West with 11 contests remaining.
When asked about the mood in the team's locker room, interim head coach Dave Lowry echoed Morrissey's comments and sympathized with his players.
"I would say extreme disappointment. And, obviously, with nothing being said, you can tell how the players feel," Lowry said.
He added: "I understand where the players are, I understand the disappointment. That just shows they care."
The Jets return to the ice Friday against the conference-leading Colorado Avalanche.
