Dominik Hasek is one step closer to returning to the NHL.

The Detroit Red Wings have exercised the one-year, $8 million option they hold on the retired goaltender for the 2003-04 season, preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent Monday at midnight ET.

If Hasek does return -- and all indications are he will -- the Red Wings must decide what to do with Curtis Joseph, who signed a three-year, $24 million deal with a no-trade clause last summer.

Don Meehan, Joseph's agent, declined comment on the situation Monday night, saying he had yet to be informed by general manager Ken Holland about the Red Wings' plans concerning Hasek.

Hasek retired after winning the Stanley Cup last season, his one and only in Detroit. Hasek, a two-time Hart Trophy winner and six-time Vezina Trophy winner, spent last season in his native Czech Republic.

The 38-year-old recently expressed interest publicly in returning to competition.

Fellow veterans Sergei Fedorov, Steve Yzerman and Igor Larionov became restricted free agents on Tuesday.

Darren McCarty and Jason Woolley avoided free agency by signing four- and two-year deals, respectively, shortly before midnight. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.