Hasek Considers Return to NHL

A year ago, after fufilling his final goal of winning the Stanley Cup, goaltender Dominik Hasek called it quits, moving his family back to the Czech Republic, far away from the NHL.

Now he may be planning to come back.

Hasek’s agent, Rich Winter, confirmed that Hasek has spoken with the Red Wings about making a comeback, but has not made a decision yet.

The Red Wings hold an option on Hasek with $8 million for next season. If Hasek returns and Detroit fails to exercise the option, he will become an unrestricted free agent.

The Web site for Canadian network TSN quoted Winter as saying: “I think he’s leaning towards coming back.” Winter denied saying that, telling the Detroit Free Press, “The TSN report is inaccurate. There’s been some talk, and that’s it. We’ll see where it goes.”

Winter also said that no timetable has been set.

Hasek reportedly laughed off a question about his possible comeback during a teleconference with Buffalo-area reporters earlier this month. Hasek won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player twice while playing for the Buffalo Sabres and the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender six times.

Should Hasek return, the Red Wings will be looking at a very expensive logjam in the crease. After Hasek retired, Detroit signed Curtis Joseph to a three-year, $24 million contract. Two years remain on that deal, which reportedly also includes a no-trade clause.