Dominik Hasek confirmed the worst kept secret in hockey, that he plans to return to play hockey next season with the Detroit Red Wings.
Hasek's decision means the Red Wings will attempt to move one of their two goaltenders, most likely Curtis Joseph.
"Ideally, as quickly as possible, I'd like to get a goaltender moved," said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. "That's easier said than done in the current financial environment. Both are very well paid, and I'm going to have to try to be creative with other teams to put something together."
Holland added he hopes to have the goaltending situation resolved prior to the start of training camp this fall.
While Holland would not say definitively that Joseph will be traded, Hasek made it quite clear where he expects to play next year.
"My decision, unfortunately, affects other people," said Hasek. "My desire is to play for the Detroit Red Wings... It's my goal and nothing else."
Joseph, who was signed last year to replace Hasek, has a no-trade clause in his deal. Holland says he has not asked Joseph or his agent to waive that clause, but he plans to speak with the goaltender on Tuesday regarding the future.
Expect the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers and to a lesser degree the Boston Bruins to pursue Joseph via a trade.
The Colorado Avalanche also need a No. 1 goalie after the retirement of Patrick Roy but it's doubtful Holland would deal Joseph to his Western Conference rival, especially not after the Avs picked up star forwards Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne last Thursday.
Hasek's decision means the Red Wings will attempt to move one of their two goaltenders, most likely Curtis Joseph.
"Ideally, as quickly as possible, I'd like to get a goaltender moved," said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. "That's easier said than done in the current financial environment. Both are very well paid, and I'm going to have to try to be creative with other teams to put something together."
Holland added he hopes to have the goaltending situation resolved prior to the start of training camp this fall.
While Holland would not say definitively that Joseph will be traded, Hasek made it quite clear where he expects to play next year.
"My decision, unfortunately, affects other people," said Hasek. "My desire is to play for the Detroit Red Wings... It's my goal and nothing else."
Joseph, who was signed last year to replace Hasek, has a no-trade clause in his deal. Holland says he has not asked Joseph or his agent to waive that clause, but he plans to speak with the goaltender on Tuesday regarding the future.
Expect the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers and to a lesser degree the Boston Bruins to pursue Joseph via a trade.
The Colorado Avalanche also need a No. 1 goalie after the retirement of Patrick Roy but it's doubtful Holland would deal Joseph to his Western Conference rival, especially not after the Avs picked up star forwards Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne last Thursday.
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