Sabres pass on potential Hasek comeback

Jul 13, 2012 - 2:36 AM Buffalo, NY (Sports Network) - If Dominik Hasek does return to North America and play in the National Hockey League, it won't be with the Buffalo Sabres.

Sabres general manager Darcy Regier told the News on Thursday that he and head coach Lindy Ruff joined the 47-year-old native of the Czech Republic in meetings to discuss a possible return, but that the club decided not to press any further.

Hasek last suited up for the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, helping the club win their fourth Stanley Cup in an 12-year span thanks to a 27-10-3 mark with a 2.14 goals-against average and five shutouts.

A former 10th round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 1983, Hasek didn't make his NHL debut until 1990.

He starred for the Sabres from 1992-01, taking home six Vezina Trophies, a pair of Hart Trophies as league MVP along with two Jennings Trophies for allowing the fewest total goals in that span.

Voted an All-Star on six occasions, Hasek participated in 735 regular-season games with Chicago, Buffalo, Detroit and Ottawa, going 389-223-95 with a 2.20 GAA and 81 whitewashes. In the playoffs, the flexible netminder finished 65-49 with 14 shutouts and a 2.02 GAA. He won his first Cup with the Wings in 2002.