Ben Smith missed practice Tuesday for the Blackhawks. Coach Q would not say why. No matter, because Marian Hossa, out with what Aaron Ward of TSN suspects is a neck injury, is expected to play tonight.

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Logan Couture has signed a five-year contract extension worth $30 million ($6 million per). He can't sign it until July 5 because he's already signed for next year.

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Pavel Datsyuk's deal is for three years at $22.5 million. That locks him up for another four years, since he still has one year left on his seven-year deal, and it takes him to the age of 38. I wasn't worried about him leaving the league at this point. But after this next contract, then it becomes possible. He could definitely play until he's 40 or 42 - he's just one of those players. But he may want to go back to

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