UPDATE: According to ESPN, the Hawks signed Marian Hossa to a 12-year deal worth 5.2 million a year.

The Blackhawks’ major offseason issue is re-signing winger Martin Havlat, who was arguably their best player in the up-from-youth surprise season of 2008-09. Havlat is a smart, smooth player and his passing is among the best in the league. And I’m writing this like I’m an advance scout for the Red Wings. If you’re reading this, then you already know: Marty Havlat is good at hockey, and the Blackhawks should re-sign him.

The Blackhawks seem to agree. They texted Havlat all day yesterday as he and his agent negotiated contract terms with the Blackhawks front office; Havlat signaled his appreciation via Twitter.

That is, unless they sign Marian Hossa. According to this very brief report at NHL.com, the former Penguins and Red Wings right winger is close to a deal with the Blackhawks. Hossa signed for $7.45 million with the Red Wings last season and was a key part of that team’s run to the Stanley Cup (and their eventual loss to the Penguins; awkward) so it can be reasonably assumed he’ll want something similar this season. He’s already turned down an eight year, $32 million deal from the Red Wings. He will be pricey.

Which means that if the Hawks really are signing Hossa, they’re likely waving goodbye to Havlat. Chicago could theoretically re-sign both, but (and big thanks to Wysh for pointing this out to me via email) it doesn’t seem likely, given that the summer of 2010 will require new contracts for Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith. There’s only so much salary to be added here.

It’s sort of sad. With the possible exception of Patrick Sharp, Havlat was far and away my favorite Hawk in 2008-09, and the signing of Hossa effectively eliminates the chance that he’ll be back next season. I guess the only thing to do now is unfollow his Twitter and let him go out in to the wild. It’s for his own good, you know? It’s for his own good. [*Wipes away tear*]