TOUCH DOWN: As he prepares to return, former teammate Dominik Hasek receives a warning letter from Buffalo Sabres and Russian ice hockey legend Alexander Mogilny.

Hockey Hall of Famer and goaltending icon Dominik Hasek may be preparing for a ceremonial return to the NHL spotlight, but not everyone is rolling out the red carpet—least of all his former teammate and fellow Sabres legend, Alexander Mogilny.

In a surprise twist to what was expected to be a celebratory homecoming for “The Dominator,” Hasek has received a strongly worded personal letter from Mogilny, warning him to “tread carefully” as he re-enters the Buffalo hockey scene after years away from the organization.

While the exact contents of the letter remain private, sources close to the situation describe it as a blend of personal concern and sharp criticism, citing past tensions that were never fully resolved between the two icons during their overlapping years in Buffalo in the early ’90s.

A Complicated Legacy

Hasek, now 60, was set to return for a special Legends Night organized by the Buffalo Sabres next month, commemorating his legendary run with the team between 1992 and 2001. The Czech netminder earned two Hart Trophies and six Vezina Trophies during his time in Buffalo, becoming one of the most dominant goaltenders in NHL history.

Mogilny, a trailblazer in his own right as the first Soviet player to defect to the NHL and one of the league’s most electrifying scorers in the 1990s, played alongside Hasek during a volatile period for the Sabres. Despite their undeniable talents, reports of locker room tension and conflicting leadership styles emerged during their time together.

Mogilny Speaks Out

Reached for comment in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he now serves in an advisory role for the KHL’s SKA St. Petersburg, Mogilny didn’t mince words:

“Dominik and I had our battles—not just on the ice, but off of it,” he told Sport-Express. “This return may be good for the fans, but he must remember what was left unresolved. We gave everything to that city, but not everything ended well.”

When pressed on whether the letter contained any threats, Mogilny responded sharply:

“It’s not a threat—it’s a reminder.”

A Divided Fanbase

Reactions in Buffalo have been mixed. While many fans are thrilled about Hasek’s return, some long-time supporters remember the internal strife and controversial departures that marked the end of his Sabres tenure. His trade to the Detroit Red Wings in 2001 left many feeling betrayed, despite his eventual Stanley Cup win there.

Mogilny’s letter has only added fuel to the fire, reigniting old debates among fans and alumni about the fractured team dynamics of the 1990s.

The Sabres’ Response

The Buffalo Sabres have not officially commented on Mogilny’s letter, but a team spokesperson confirmed that the Legends Night will proceed as planned. A statement from the organization emphasized unity and the celebration of “the players who built the foundation of Buffalo hockey.”

Hasek, currently in Prague, has yet to publicly respond to the letter, but sources close to him say he was “surprised but not shaken.”

What Comes Next

As Buffalo prepares to honor one of its greatest athletes, the moment is now complicated by echoes of the past—and the voice of a once-silent rival. Whether Hasek and Mogilny will publicly reconcile or further entrench old wounds remains to be seen.

For now, fans can only watch as two of the most brilliant, yet combustible, figures in Sabres history prepare for what could be an unforgettable reunion—or an unforgettable reckoning.