Dominik Hasek: Return To NHL?

             The NHL off season hasn't even started yet and already there is a huge shocking rumor. It's been reported that legendary former NHL goaltender Dominik Hasek is planning a NHL comeback. Hasek spent the 2010/11 season in the KHL with the Spartak Moskva where he lead the league with 7 shutouts. So the Dominatior's stats were still dominate so to speak. Hasek then retired after that season and has spent the last season training. Hasek was reported to say that he's been training for this moment and is really interested to making yet again, another comeback into the hockey world. Hasek has been cycling and skiing as well as playing soccer and volleyball. "We are working on (a new deal) but I don't know the answer yet," Hasek told Denik Sport. "Of course, my agent Rich Winter knows about what I want. But I don't want to comment on that any further. Nothing changed in my plans. But right now, I don't have anything in front of me. So I'm waiting. I think in June the decision will be made," Hasek said. "I know where I would like to play, but I don't want to talk about it. I think it's better to keep it between the two sides involved. It wouldn't be appropriate to publish anything right now."

              The teams Hasek is rumored to be negotiating with are the Tampa Bay Lightning and two of his former teams, The Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings. It is also rumored that he would like to be a starter but if he has to be a backup, he'll just be happy to be back in the NHL. Another team that may be interested in Hasek is the Toronto Maple Leafs Here are some of the reasons why Hasek may be interested in them and why some teams are interested in him.

Tampa Bay Lightning

               The Lightning may be a great place for the Dominatior to make his return as they have a strong scoring team and have plenty of potential to win a Stanley Cup. However, They just need a strong goaltender. That was the Lightning's major downfall this season. Also, in Tampa, Hasek will more then likely be the Starter. The Lightning would love to add his Veteran skill to there line-up to replace soon to be retired Dwayne Roloson. With Hasek in goal and Stamkos, Lecavalier, and St. Louis up front, they feel they can be a dominating force and push to the cup. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

                 The Leafs may consider acquiring Hasek because of his skill. After missing the playoffs for the 7th straight season. The Leafs have done multiple goalie changes since then and have yet been able to solve the problem. The Leafs are a veteran lead team so Hasek would be a perfect fit for them. The Leafs goaltending consist of James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson.

Detroit Red Wings

                  Hasek may look to making a 3rd return to Hockey Town. The Red Wings is the team he won his 2 Stanley Cups with. However, here he would most likely be the back up to Jimmy Howard. But, Hasek would also be on a stacked team with tons of skill and which knows how to win a Stanley Cup because most of them were there before. The Red Wings may lose a key veteran to retirement, Nicklas Lidstrom. So without Lidstrom, would Hasek still be interested?

Buffalo Sabres

                     Finally, would the Dominator return to the team that pretty much lunched his career? The Sabres, like the Red Wings, would also use Hasek as a Back up. However, Hasek has been spotted at multiple Sabres games this season. Also, last season he did a special ceremonial puck drop in a game against the Thrashers. Hasek appears to be very close to new owner Terry Pegula. Could Pegula be the major reason Hasek makes his return to Buffalo? Pegula has appeared as friendly and as a mentor to many people. Pegula also brought back and reunited almost a hundred Sabres Alumni for the 2010/11 Season Regular Season Closer. Pegula Grew up as a season ticket holder. He saw Hasek play during his prime and know what he is capable of. Hasek's unique style of play could lead to being a solid back-up to Miller. What would that mean for current back-up Jhonas Enroth? That is unsure. Would the Sabres go with 3 goalies? Would the send Enroth back to Rochester? Only time would tell if the Sabres did decide to sign the future hall of famer.

                         

                           It's kinda been clued that Hasek has tons of interest in the Sabres and has been in the Buffalo area the last few days. For example, on Saturday May 26, Terry Pegula's daughter Kelly tweeted "Going to the Falls #americanside," When just the day before, she stated they were in Florida. Why would the Pegulas all of a sudden make a trip back to Buffalo? 

                              Also, Hasek's charity group Hasek's Heroes tweeted on May 29, "Nice to see Dominik Hasek in Buffalo he recently met with Heroes Board of Director and visited the program and rinks," shows that Hasek is currently in the Buffalo area and showing lots of interest, Was Hasek just in town to meet with his charity or was he also here to talk about a new deal with the Buffalo Sabres?

                                   Only time will tell for this epic Hasek tale. This isn't the first Hasek comeback and who knows if it is the last. The decision will be released sometime in June as the hockey world sits on the edge of their seats waiting to find out where the Dominatior lands next.