Konstantinov Improving

The process of weaning Detroit Red Wings defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov from a ventilator has begun.

Konstantinov has been on a ventilator since he and two other members of the Red Wings organization were injured when the limousine they were in struck a tree on June 13.

Konstantinov gradually is being weaned from a ventilator for short periods, and a device that monitored the threat of increased pressures on the brain was removed.

Both Konstantinov and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov remained in critical but stable condition.

Also, a package of proposed Michigan bills that would stiffen penalties for people who drive without a license - like Richard Gnida, the man driving the limousine when it crashed, - was announced.

Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman says he must continue to have a say on trades and other personnel decisions if he is to return to coach the defending Stanley Cup champions for another season.

Bowman told the Detroit News he will make his decision after another meeting with team owner Mike Ilitch.

After meeting with Ilitch last week, Bowman had said he wanted to make his decision after results from a physical. Those tests came back fine, and Bowman had a speck of melanoma successfully removed from his face.

Buffalo Sabres Dominik Hasek has said he has had enough of all-league coach Ted Nolan.

Hasek, named the NHL’s most valuable player and top goalie last week, conceded he has no respect for Nolan and would rather not see the coach of the year behind the bench next season.

Hasek, however, would return to the Sabres even if Nolan is rehired. Nolan’s contract expires on Monday.

A $300 million plan by the Toronto Maple Leafs to build a new arena atop the city’s historic Union Station died when the City Council rejected the NHL club’s offer for taxpayer-owned rail lands.

The arena would have replaced 65-year-old Maple Leaf Gardens and also provided a home for the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.