Morning Bag Skate: Sharp to return next week

The Blackhawks take on the Montreal Canadiens tonight at 7:30 p.m. CT. We'll have more on that later today, but until then, here's todays Skate:

**After a long time between starts, Antti Raanta is happy to be back in the crease (Chicago Sun Times)

**Snake-bitten for most of the season thus far, Marian Hossa is getting sick and tired of his scoring woes. We all know we can use more Hossa goals in our lives. (Chicago Tribune)

**After being out for more than a month now, Patrick Sharp is likely to return to the 'Hawks lineup next week. (ESPN Chicago)

**Even with his entry-level deal set to expire at the end of this season, winger Brandon Saad says he won't discuss a contract extension until the offseason. (ESPN Chicago)

**After being considered the prize of this past offseason's free agent class, and inking a 4 yr/$28mil deal with the Blues, Paul Statsny's play hasn't been good enough for coach Ken Hitchcock's liking (Puck Daddy)

**Add Minnesota Wild star defenseman Ryan Suter to the list of NHL players who've gotten mumps this season, along with Anaheim's Corey Perry (and a few others). Why do bad things happen to good people? (Puck Daddy)

**Ottawa Senators legend Daniel Alfredsson has decided to hang up the skates after being un-signed in free agency this summer. He signed a one day deal with the team yesterday, and they had a pre-game ceremony for him. (SBN NHL)

**More Alfredsson pre-game ceremony coverage. (CBC)

**With much speculation surrounding his job and others, Oilers GM Craig MacTavish will meet with the media on Friday. (Pro Hockey Talk)

**Very tough news regarding New Jersey Devils winger Ryan Clowe, who's father has been arrested for cocaine trafficking. (PHT)