CHICAGO – The Chicago Blackhawks are dipping deep into the NHL free-agent market by signing star forward Marian Hossa away from the Detroit Red Wings with a 12-year contract.

Hossa, who surprisingly took a one-year deal with the defending champion Red Wings last summer, cashed in on Wednesday. The four-time All-Star and 11-year NHL veteran has played on the Stanley Cup runner-up the last two seasons. The Blackhawks are his fourth team since 2008.

Chicago also signed center Tomas Kopecky, who, like Hossa, played last season with the Red Wings.

"To add Marian, an elite and world-class player, and Tomas, a Stanley Cup champion, to our exciting young core reinforces our commitment to try to win the Stanley Cup," general manager Dale Tallon said.

The Blackhawks were hoping to re-sign last year's leading scorer, Martin Havlat, who is also a free agent.