BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Dominik Hasek got his wish to play for a
contender. The Buffalo Sabres got Vyacheslav Kozlov and were left
with nine seasons' worth of remarkable memories.
"It's a turning of the page of another chapter that involves,
arguably, one of the best if not the best and greatest hockey
player in the history of the Buffalo Sabres," Sabres general
manager Darcy Regier said Sunday. "I think people here will
reflect back on the time that Dom was here and come to really
appreciate his greatness."
Facing the prospect of losing Hasek to unrestricted free agency,
the Sabres dealt the six-time Vezina Trophy winner to the Detroit
Red Wings about 1 a.m. (EDT) Sunday.
In exchange, the Sabres received Kozlov, an offensive left wing,
a first-round pick in next year's draft and future considerations.
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 held a one-year, $9 million option to pick up Hasek's
contract, which they did prior to the Saturday's midnight deadline
in order to retain his rights in making the trade.
Detroit then made its own deal with Hasek, agreeing to pay him
$8 million next season which is on par with captain Steve Yzerman
and star defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom. Hasek's contract also has two
option years at $8 million each.
"It's not often you can get a goaltender that matches his
record," Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman said.
Although Regier said the Sabres were willing to keep Hasek for
whatever price for the rest of his career, it became clear that
Buffalo was not in the goalie's plans. Regier said Hasek wanted a
fresh start with another team and a shot to win a Stanley Cup, and
would have retired or returned to his native Czech Republic if that
didn't happen.
"He felt strongly that he wanted to look at a fresh start,"
Regier said. "He never came to us with any list (of demands), he
was very clear, he wanted a fresh start, no conditions. ... It was
a very clean decision on his part."
Winter said the Red Wings -- because of their history, depth and
experienced coaching staff -- were Hasek's No. 1 destination from
the start of trade discussions.
"It's Hockeytown," Winter said, referring to Detroit's adopted
nickname. "He's got a chance to play for the winningest coach
(Scotty Bowman) of all time, with one of the top centers ... in
Steve Yzerman, and two Norris Trophy winners (defensemen Niklas
Lidstrom and Chris Chelios). It's a different kind of team and
that's exactly what he's looking for."
A two-time NHL MVP who also won an Olympic gold medal in 1998,
the 36-year-old Hasek lone remaining goal is a shot at winning a
Stanley Cup.
The closest Hasek came to that in Buffalo was in 1999 when the
Sabres lost to Dallas in the finals in six games on Brett Hull's
controversial overtime goal.
The Red Wings have been perennial contenders over the past
decade, and won consecutive championships in 1997 and '98.
"It is the team that has won and knows how to win," Winter
said.
Red Wings general manager Ken Holland called it a deal he
couldn't pass up.
"Although we're disappointed to have to give up a player such
as Slava Kozlov ... we feel we have definitely strengthened our
team with Hasek in net," he said.
It's not immediately clear what the Red Wings will do with last
year's starter Chris Osgood.
Hasek and Holland scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m.
Monday.
In meeting Hasek's desire, the Sabres at least got something in
return.
The 29-year-old Kozlov is a six-time 20-plus goal-scorer who
should further bolster the Sabres offensive punch.
The Sabres have gone through a major transformation as Hasek's
trade came a week after Buffalo dealt holdout captain Michael Peca
to the New York Islanders for young forwards Tim Connolly and
Taylor Pyatt.
The Sabres also have faith in Martin Biron to step into the
starter's role in goal, and Mika Noronen to emerge as the backup.
"Marty has shown over the years that I've been here tremendous
development form a maturity standpoint and a skill standpoint,"
Regier said.
Biron, who appeared in just 18 games last season, filled in
admirably as rookie in 1999-00, when Hasek missed almost half the
season with a groin injury.
Biron, who enjoyed playing behind Hasek, was excited when he
heard about the deal when he woke up Sunday morning.
"I'm really excited just to get the opportunity to show up to
camp and know that I'm battling for the guy that's going to be
playing 50 or 60 games next year," Biron said. "Nothing's sure,
but it opens the door for me to be able to really show what I can
do."
Noronen made his NHL debut at the start of last season,
appearing in two games in place of Hasek.
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