The NHL Players' Association will be keeping a close eye on Senators goaltender Dominik Hasek. While the union is not going to try to block Hasek from accepting a two-week conditioning stint with the club's AHL affiliate in Binghamton, sources say it will be watching the situation to see what develops over the course of the season.

With NHL players locked out, Hasek has agreed to go to Binghamton for two weeks to start camp next Sunday.

There's no rule stopping him from agreeing to a series of conditioning stints, but it's doubtful the Senators want to pay him $2 million US to play in the minor leagues.

"I don't think the union has a problem with Hasek playing in the minors for a while, but I'm not sure they want it to be an extended period," said one league source yesterday.

The NHLPA has had discussions with Hasek's agent, Ritch Winter, about the agreement.

He told them it's a special case as Hasek is still recovering from groin surgery and has only played 14 games in the last two years.

Hasek brought his family to North America because he wanted to get his kids into school in case there is a season. GM John Muckler indicated Hasek could sign an AHL contract once his first conditioning stint is completed.

bruce.garrioch@ott.sunpub.com