Detroit (AP) — Dominik Hasek is considering a return to the NHL and has spoken with the Detroit Red Wings about possibly ending his retirement and rejoining the team.
The 38-year-old goaltender and representatives of the Red Wings met in Europe recently, Roman Hozak, the player’s press representative, told The Associated Press on Tuesday from the Czech Republic.
The star Czech player retired after winning the Stanley Cup in 2002 with Detroit.
“Dominic is deciding exactly which direction he wants to go and hopefully I’ll know very soon,” Detroit general manager Ken Holland told radio station WJR.
Detroit holds an option on Hasek for next season worth $8 million. If the Red Wings don’t exercise the option, he would become an unrestricted free agent.
“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 the Canadian network TSN. “I think he’s leaning towards coming back, but he hasn’t made a final decision.”
Messages left by the AP with Holland and Winter were not immediately returned.
Detroit signed unrestricted free agent goalie Curtis Joseph last summer to a three-year, $24 million contract. The deal included a no-trade clause.
“If Dominic comes back it probably will be a sticky situation,” Holland said. “Obviously, a lot of teams right now are looking for goaltenders. At the same time, money is a real issue around the league.”
The 38-year-old goaltender and representatives of the Red Wings met in Europe recently, Roman Hozak, the player’s press representative, told The Associated Press on Tuesday from the Czech Republic.
The star Czech player retired after winning the Stanley Cup in 2002 with Detroit.
“Dominic is deciding exactly which direction he wants to go and hopefully I’ll know very soon,” Detroit general manager Ken Holland told radio station WJR.
Detroit holds an option on Hasek for next season worth $8 million. If the Red Wings don’t exercise the option, he would become an unrestricted free agent.
“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 the Canadian network TSN. “I think he’s leaning towards coming back, but he hasn’t made a final decision.”
Messages left by the AP with Holland and Winter were not immediately returned.
Detroit signed unrestricted free agent goalie Curtis Joseph last summer to a three-year, $24 million contract. The deal included a no-trade clause.
“If Dominic comes back it probably will be a sticky situation,” Holland said. “Obviously, a lot of teams right now are looking for goaltenders. At the same time, money is a real issue around the league.”