Blog - Internet Hasek eyes NHL return; is he what Flyers need?

[Irishjim]

First OFF this is not my idea but thought it was TOOOOOO funny not to post and let the silly reply's commence

Hey, Jaromir Jagr did it. So why not another hockey legend of the ‘90s?

According to a Czech report (via a few tweets from CBC’s Elliotte Friedman) 47-year-old goalie Dominik Hasek is in North America and wants to return to the NHL.

"The Dominator" hasn’t played in the league since the 2007-08 season, when he appeared in 45 games with the eventual Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. Of course, he’s best known for his lengthy and impressive career with the Buffalo Sabres, which spanned from 1992-2001.

Since ’08, Hasek has played primarily in the Czech Extraliga and KHL. Most recently, he spent the 2010-11 season with Spartak Moscow of the KHL, playing 46 games and posting a 2.48 goals-against average. If he were to make an NHL return, he’d be the league’s oldest active player. (Dwayne Roloson of the Tampa Bay Lightning, also a goaltender, is the current oldest, at 42.)

Aside from the obvious feelings of nostalgia Hasek’s return would evoke, the news might actually be of particular interest to Flyers fans – yes, we’re gonna go there.

There’s a school of thought that suggests the Flyers ought to dish Sergei Bobrovsky and bring in a veteran back-up goaltender this off-season. Names like Martin Biron (see story), Tomas Vokoun and Scott Clemmensen have been tossed around (see other story). So why not add Hasek to the mix?

Perhaps it’s a bit ridiculous to suggest and this is nothing more than stirring the pot (sorry, it isthe off-season!) but there’s a case to be made for Hasek for all the obvious reasons you've probably already read or heard. The Flyers, as we know, aren’t afraid to bring in players from the KHL. Nor are they afraid to take risks on aging veterans, as Jagr’s signing last season proved.

Hasek has won a Cup. He’s a six-time Vezina recipient. He is a proven veteran, a guy who could bring knowledge and experience to the dressing room. Especially if Jagr departs the Flyers this summer and Chris Pronger doesn’t play, that’s something the team could be in search of.

Of course, all of this is just speculation. Hasek reportedly said only that his agent knows he’s interested in a return, and declined to make any further comments. And even if he does come back to the NHL, he’d be a huge risk – considering both his age and the fact that he’s been away from the NHL for four seasons.

So, basically, the odds of a Hasek-to-Philly move are slim-to-none, but fun to try on for a while nonetheless. Stuff like this is the fun part of the off-season.

What do you think? If you were Holmgren, would you consider auditioning Hasek for the job of backing up Ilya Bryzgalov ... or is this whole idea the most ridiculous thing you've read all week?

[Irishjim]

I'm waiting on Ecklund to re-post this as from a reliable source E4

[sarsippius]

Well that would be a mid-90s flyers move for sure (sorry Clarkie), bring a guy in 15 years after his prime.....A little young though, what Eddie Giacomin isn't available?

[canoli]

I think it's a great idea, except let's make it Bernie. No sense doing this thing halfway ...

[flyerrod]

John Vanbiesbrouk says...oh waite, Sean Burke says....oh wait, Marty Biron says....oh wait.....The point being is that Philadelphia is the place old/downside of career goalies go to die......Personally, I have no desire to see Hasek on the ice with his walker playing for the Flyers.... -_-

[mojo1917]

initially i thought this was an article from the onion...

[DaGreatGazoo]

If Hasek has learned to play the blueline, can hammer a shot from the point on the PP, and can give them 15-18 mins a game, go for it!!!

[doom88]

This article wouldn't exist if Bryz played remotely well. The writer is awful, especially if they actually meant what they typed.

But this is Philly, so bring him into camp and let's see. Ugh.

[radoran]

I really can't spell "no" fast enough.