Enigma
06-24-2003, 02:57 AM
Source: Hasek's return is a 'virtual certainty'
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ESPN.com news services
Dominik Hasek might not have stopped his last puck after all.
The former star goaltender is considering a return to the NHL, TSN reported Monday night.
Hasek, who retired after helping the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup title in 2002, has recently talked to his former club about a possible return.
"Dominik has been in contact with the Red Wings several times over the past several weeks, and they've had serious discussions about the possibility of him coming back," Hasek's agent Rich Winter told TSN. "I think he's leaning towards coming back, but he hasn't made a final decision."
Another source though told TSN that it was a "virtual certainty" that Hasek would return to the NHL. The Red Wings hold an $8 million option for the 38-year-old goaltender next season.
Detroit signed current starting goalie Curtis Joseph last offseason to a 3-year, $24 million contract, including a no-trade clause, TSN reported.
"It's Kenny's worst nightmare," one NHL general manager told TSN, referring to Detroit G.M. Ken Holland. "What do you do with Hasek when you've got Curtis Joseph under contract for the next two years? You can't have $17 million worth of goaltending. Plus, Hasek hasn't played in a year and a half."
Red Wings officials declined comment to TSN on Hasek's possible return.
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ESPN.com news services
Dominik Hasek might not have stopped his last puck after all.
The former star goaltender is considering a return to the NHL, TSN reported Monday night.
Hasek, who retired after helping the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup title in 2002, has recently talked to his former club about a possible return.
"Dominik has been in contact with the Red Wings several times over the past several weeks, and they've had serious discussions about the possibility of him coming back," Hasek's agent Rich Winter told TSN. "I think he's leaning towards coming back, but he hasn't made a final decision."
Another source though told TSN that it was a "virtual certainty" that Hasek would return to the NHL. The Red Wings hold an $8 million option for the 38-year-old goaltender next season.
Detroit signed current starting goalie Curtis Joseph last offseason to a 3-year, $24 million contract, including a no-trade clause, TSN reported.
"It's Kenny's worst nightmare," one NHL general manager told TSN, referring to Detroit G.M. Ken Holland. "What do you do with Hasek when you've got Curtis Joseph under contract for the next two years? You can't have $17 million worth of goaltending. Plus, Hasek hasn't played in a year and a half."
Red Wings officials declined comment to TSN on Hasek's possible return.