Marian Hossa knows it's only a matter of time.

The veteran, who will turn 38 on Jan. 12, is heading into next season with 499 career regular-season goals. He's one away from a milestone. But it's not really on his mind.

"To tell you the truth, I never even thought about it this summer," Hossa said, writes the Chicago Tribune's Chris Kuc. "I'm not too worried about it."

Hossa scored only 13 goals last year, his fewest in a full season in his career. After potting 30 in 2013-14 and 22 in 2014-15, he's trending in the wrong direction as he gets up there in age. But luck hasn't exactly been on his side - Hossa's 6.8 shooting percentage in 2015-16 was by far the lowest of his career.

The former first-round pick said he should have had more than 13 goals last season - "the puck didn't want to go in" - and knows that if he does what he's done his entire career, the goals will come. He bagged three in seven playoff games, after all.

"I'll just play my game and I know good things will happen."

Where he plays is the focus of Kuc's piece, as he notes that the Blackhawks may be transitioning Hossa to more of a defensive role. Either way, head coach Joel Quenneville is expecting Hossa to produce - with or without the puck.

Hossa's under contract through 2021 and said he feels good at 37. He averaged a healthy 17:16 in ice time last season, pushing 18 minutes in the playoffs.

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