<a href="http://msn.espn.go.com/nhl/news/2002/0625/1398744.html" target="_blank">Link</a>

Now if the Canes can just keep their team together and make it all happen again next year (which is a lot to ask)....

-JD

Even though I don't know much about hockey or Hasek, I have no respect for the man. When I was at the Stanley Cup game at the ESA, he didn't even take off his helmet while the national anthem was being played. A player who acts like that is a jerk.

Detroit is expected to go after Curtis Joseph to replace Hasek. Could be a Red Wing/Hurricane rematch next year.

<img border="0" alt="[Cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/cheers.gif" />

Losing Scotty Bowman will hurt Detroit a lot too.

-JD

I don't think Detroit will make it next year... isn't Chelios leaving? And some other guys?

A few people are expected to leave. Larionov has said he is coming back. Chelios said he wants to come back if Detroit wants him. Detroit said they want Chelios to come back if he wants to, so I think he will be back.

Losing Bowman will probably hurt more than losing Hasek, especially if they can get Curtis Joseph to come over. Don't underestimate Ken Holland, the man behind the scenes. The owner has given Holland the money needed to get players to win the cup. He will pick up a couple this year again.

Pavel Datsyk (Sp) will be more experienced last year, and let me tell you - he can make 2 players miss him on one move.

I think it will come down to Detroit and Colorado again next year in the West. Maybe San Jose and Chicago will have a chance too.