Dominik Hasek is tired of the NHL and the Players' Association playing the waiting game.
The Senators goalie, who admitted yesterday he doesn't "stand to gain anything" from this lockout, told the Sun he wants union boss Bob Goodenow and commissioner Gary Bettman to get back to the negotiating table.
"I just want there to be talks ... that's the only way they're going to fix this," said Hasek. "It doesn't matter (who picks up the phone)."
The 39-year-old is hopeful there will be an NHL season -- he is in line for $2 million US to play for the Senators.
Hasek's agent Ritch Winter hasn't contacted teams in Europe yet, but Hasek will sign somewhere in January.
"I'm very worried because I know that this could possibly be my last contract," said Hasek. "I would love to be back on the ice playing.
"I came to the NHL because I wanted to win a Stanley Cup with the Senators and that's still my goal."
A former league MVP and Vezina Trophy winner, Hasek attended last week's NHLPA meetings to get an update on negotiations. He said he wasn't given much reason for hope, but remains optimistic the season can be saved.
"I still feel like there's a deal there for both sides," he said. "I'm sure if they just sat down they could find a solution.
"We're not going to change our position on a cap, but we made an offer that we're willing to negotiate.
"Look, a cap is only going to help the owners. It's not going to help the players or the fans."
WORKING WITH 67'S
Since returning to Ottawa in mid-September after a conditioning stint with the Senators' AHL affiliate in Binghamton, Hasek has been keeping shape by working with the 67's as a goaltending consultant.
Hasek will participate in two 4-on-4 games being run by Philadelphia goalie Robert Esche in Clinton, N.Y., this weekend. Ottawa centre Todd White is also attending.
Hasek will leave early next month to participate in a European tour with the World All-Stars -- a team made up mostly of players who are represented by International Management Group.
"The games are going to be competitive because we're going to be playing top teams in Europe," said Hasek.
