NHL studies contract

The National Hockey League is investigating Marian Hossa’s 12-year, $62.8 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The league confirmed Friday that it is looking into the deal, but would have no further comment until the investigation is completed. The Ottawa Sun first reported Thursday night that the league is studying whether the contract circumvents the salary cap and the collective bargaining agreement. Hossa’s contract results in a $5.23 million cap hit each year over the length of the deal, according the report. That’s despite a lot of the money being paid early in the contract, with Hossa making $7.9 million annually for the first seven years before his salary tapers off.

–Associated Press