The news has been floating around for a couple of weeks. The rumours were further fueled earlier this week as the Ottawa Senators dealt goalie Patrick Lalime to the St Louis Blues for a fourth-round draft pick in 2005. This seems to have cleared the way for the Sens to bring Dominik Hasek as their next starting goalie. The announcement is expected to be made on July 1 (Canada Day).

Hasek of course has been one of the most dominating goalies through the 1990s, winning 6 Vezina trophies and 2 Hart Memorial awards as league MVP. But his return from retirement last year wasn't much to write home about. He apparently came to Detroit out of shape, got hurt during the season and was a negative influence around the team. His attitude will be key in Ottawa as this Senators team has just dealt away their last goalie because of the continuous pressure his lack of play generated on the team. Any negative vibes from Hasek could be troublesome for the Sens.

On the plus side, Hasek has certainly been one of the best goalies ever to have played in the NHL. He may just be what the the Senators need to get off the hump and finally live up to the high expectations of fans around the league.