Archives for July 1, 2001

He has the spine of a slinky. Or so goes the commercial that feature Dominik Hasek making a save that seemingly no other human could make. Hasek's nine-year career came to a close at midnight Saturday night/Sunday morning as the Sabres dealt the best goalie in Sabres history to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Vyacheslav Kozlov, a left winger, along with Detroit's first round draft choice next year. Also included in the deal was "future consideration." Whether team that applies to seems to be lost in the equation.

'Regier said the Sabres were resigned to making a deal after Hasek informed them he wanted to play at least one more season — but not in Buffalo.'

'The Sabres traded Dominik Hasek three months later than they should have as his value was higher at the March trade deadline. However, Vyacheslav Kozlov and a first-round pick in 2002 address the Sabres' current need on offense while also adding future depth.'

'After nine years as a Buffalo Sabre, goaltender Dominik Hasek was traded late Saturday night to the Detroit Red Wings for left winger Slava Kozlov, a first-round draft pick in 2002 and future considerations. The Sabres swapped Hasek rather than picking up the option year on his contract for $9 million or letting him become an unrestricted free agent.'

'He's the greatest player in Sabres' history, of that there's little question. Others have come along, most from the early days, and captured the hearts of fans. Gilbert Perreault is in the Hall of Fame, perhaps Buffalo's best offensive player ever. Pat LaFontaine was as gifted on the ice as he was in the community. Neither dominated the sport the way Hasek did for most of his nine seasons in Buffalo.'

'If anything, the Sabres should thank The Dominator, for all the years past and for setting them up in the years to come.'

'However, late Saturday night the team informed Dave Andreychuk's agent, Roland Thompson, that the team would not exercise its $1.1 million option for a 2001-02 contract for the winger. "He's certainly not out of their plans," Thompson said about the possibility that Andreychuk could return to the Sabres this fall. Thompson added that Andreychuk does want to play one final NHL season, even if he has to leave Buffalo to do so.'

'The reality is he didn't want to retire, but couldn't think of a diplomatic way of saying he wasn't going to return to the Sabres next season.'

'For the Buffalo Sabres, sticking to a budget was more important than keeping their most valuable player.'

'Dominik Hasek was traded by the Buffalo Sabres to the Detroit Red Wings late Saturday night for left wing Vyacheslav Kozlov, a 2002 first-round draft choice and future considerations.'