I follow hockey more than I would like to admit...and maybe that's why this is bothering me so much. Can Roy come back or can't he? One article I read says that he can...another said he can't. Does anyone know the NHLPA agreement like the back of their hand?

CAN'T PLAY:
Hasek was also asked if his decision to return would spur rival Patrick Roy to return for one more year with the Colorado Avalanche. While he said he would welcome the challenge, agent Rich Winter confirmed that Roy has filed his retirement papers with the NHL, meaning he can't return to play until after next season at the earliest.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=46703&hubName=


CAN PLAY:
NHL rules would permit Avs goalie Patrick Roy to back out of his voluntary retirement and return to Colorado, if he so chooses. Avs GM Pierre Lacroix, always the cagey sort, dismisses suggestions that Roy might change his mind. So does Roy's agent.

The real rub: To return, Roy would need not only the written consent of the Avalanche, but the other 29 teams as well -- something that would be unlikely, according to the Denver Post. It's a good bet the Wings would object to that move. . . .
http://www.sportingnews.com/voices/r.../20030712.html