Blues express interest in Joseph, Fedorov
By DERRICK GOOLD Post-Dispatch
Dominik Hasek announced his return to Detroit from a year of retirement on Tuesday, ushering current Red Wings goaltender Curtis Joseph to the trade block while the Blues continue to keep tabs on the market for possibilities.
Possibilities that do not currently fit into the Blues' fiscal prudence but could work in combination with other cost-cutting moves.
The Blues have spoken with Detroit about trading for Joseph, who began his career as a Blue, and they have phoned unrestricted free agent Sergei Fedorov's representative to inquire about the former league MVP. Both make or are expected to make hefty salaries.
General manager Larry Pleau must remove a payroll dollar for every dollar he adds, but he has explored various opportunities like Fedorov in case one roster move frees the cash for a signing that today looks too costly.
"We're taking a look at a lot of different things," said Pleau, without commenting on specifics. "We're trying to explore anything out there that would improve our team. What's out there that would make us better."
Joseph, 36, has a no-trade clause and is due $16 million over the two seasons remaining on his contract. Joseph's agent, Don Meehan, said the no-trade clause "is what it says it is." The Blues, a source said, are one of the few teams Joseph would consider.
Speculation in Detroit centers on the Blues offering Doug Weight, but Weight also has a no-trade clause. Reports the Blues were interested in moving Weight at the recent NHL draft were fiction, and the Blues have not contacted Weight or Weight's agent about a move.
Fedorov's agent, Pat Brisson, also represents Blues goalie Brent Johnson and defenseman Christian Laflamme. But it was a separate call from Pleau that concerned Fedorov. The 33-year-old center, two years older than Weight, turned down a couple deals worth $10 million annually with Detroit. Brisson said he and Fedorov are "narrowing the field" of teams to consider. He would not say if the Blues, who could be skittish about a multiyear deal, are in the final field.
"Sergei will get his multiyear deal," Brisson said.
Though the Blues are intent on altering the look of the team while trimming or clinging to the current payroll, ownership has indicated cash would be available for a deal too good to pass up. Also a creative combination of acquisitions and trades could fit new faces into the budget.
Decisions will not be swayed by the headline-grabbing deals made by rivals Colorado and Detroit.
"We can't start counter-punching like that," Blues president Mark Sauer said. "We have to do what's best for the franchise. We're losing a lot of money. (Pleau) has the authority and he has the plan to shape a different roster, a roster where we get younger and maybe less expensive."
The Red Wings hold an $8 million option on Hasek. The seven-time Vezina winner does not have a no-trade clause and Detroit has not said it will definitely move Joseph. Indications are that Joseph will be traded, preferably to the Eastern Conference - and that the New York Rangers top a list that includes the Blues.
"Ideally, as quick as possible I'd like to get a goaltender moved," Detroit general manager Ken Holland said. "That's easier said that done in the current financial environment. Both are very well paid, and I'm going to have to try and be creative with some other team to put something together."
Hasek, who retired after winning the 2002 Stanley Cup in his only season with Detroit, said his "desire is to play for the Detroit Red Wings. That's my goal and nothing else." Watching and reading about the playoffs kindled his interest in a return.
"I now feel that I have achieved a better balance in my life and I have more to offer the game," Hasek said. "My batteries are recharged."
While exploring moves and moves to make after moves, Pleau remains focused on re-signing restricted free agentssuch as Pavol Demitra and Bryce Salvador. Winger Martin Rucinsky is drifting away from a return to the Blues after the team did not exercise his option. His representative said they seriously talking with one team, and it isn't the Blues.
"It would be hard to walk into a dressing room with a pay cut or onto a team after an option was not exercised," Rucinsky's rep, Paul Kraus, said. "That's an option that right now is uncomfortable with my client."