Hackett signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Ducks on Wednesday, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports. Hackett saw action in 21 games between the Sabres and AHL Rochester last season after missing much of the first half while recovering from an ACL tear suffered late in 2013-14. The 25-year-old is a veteran of 26 NHL games, but he's not a serious candidate to challenge Frederik Andersen or John Gibson for the Ducks' top two goalie spots during training camp. Instead, he'll likely serve as one of the Ducks' two netminders this season at their AHL affiliate in San Diego.

The Sabres are still mulling whether or not to re-sign Hackett, an impending unrestricted free agent, reports The Buffalo News. This will be a difficult decision for the Sabres, who have gone on record to say they need a No. 1 goaltender for AHL Rochester. Acquired in a trade from Minnesota for Jason Pominville, Hackett has plenty of AHL experience and is a proven starter, but has struggled with Buffalo and suffered various injuries this past season that limited to him a combined 21 appearances in the AHL and NHL. The Sabres aren't in a hurry to make a decision and may opt to wait until July 1 to canvass their options, but don't rule out a return from Hackett just yet. With Chad Johnson already entrenched as the Sabres' backup next season, Hackett's fantasy value is minimal.

Hackett was assigned to AHL Rochester on Monday to finish the season. It's been a tough year for Hackett, who spent most of the year trying to recover from a serious knee injury suffered the previous season. He was rather pedestrian in 14 games with the Amerks with a 2.72 goals-against average and .907 save percentage, but got the call-up after a slew of injuries to the Sabres' goalies. In five appearances, Hackett posted a 4.32 goals-against average and .884 save percentage. Because he failed to reach the number of appearances needed for the Sabres to retain his rights, Hackett will become an unrestricted free agent this season. With a strong finish the Sabres may elect to keep Hackett, but that scenario isn't likely to happen with high-end prospects Andrey Makarov and Linus Ullmark already signed for next season.

Hackett was spotted at the Sabres' morning skate Tuesday, reports John Vogl of The Buffalo News. After suffering from soreness and swelling in his surgically-repaired knee, Hackett was back at practice. Andrey Makarov, who was called up and started one game, was returned to Rochester, while Chad Johnson (lower body) is still on the mend. Lindback is expected to be the No. 1 goalie for the remainder of the season, but don't be surprised if the Sabres play Hackett for one game. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but a return to Buffalo hasn't been ruled out.

Hackett still hasn't hit the ice since suffering some swelling in his knee and has missed the past four games. Hackett will become an unrestricted free agent this summer because he hasn't reached the number of appearances needed for the Sabres to retain his rights. Hackett suffered an ACL injury in the previous season and has struggled since his return.

Hackett, who will not play in Friday's game due to a knee injury, will now become an unrestricted free agent this offseason because he can't reach the number of appearances needed for the Sabres to retain his rights, The Buffalo News reports. Hackett needed five more appearances of at least 30 minutes in order to stay the property of the Sabres. The team had some high hopes for the injury-struck goaltender after acquiring him as part of the Jason Pominville-to-Minnesota deal in 2013, but he never did much at the big-league level and a torn ACL late last season really derailed any plans. He probably won't be too expensive so perhaps the Sabres will bring him back, but now all 30 teams will have a crack at him if they're looking for organizational depth.

Hackett (knee) didn't skate Friday morning and appears doubtful to be available for either of the Sabres' weekend contests, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports. Coach Ted Nolan said after the skate that Anders Lindback would start Friday's game against the Blackhawks, while AHL call-up Andrey Makarov could get a look Saturday on Long Island. That seemingly rules Hackett out for both games, which is probably for the best while he continues to operate at less than 100 percent due to his knee soreness. Unless he's able to get back on the ice in the next few days to demonstrate he's healthier, it's possible we've seen the last of Hackett this season.

Coach Ted Nolan indicated Thursday that the Sabres are uncertain when Hackett (knee) might return to action. Nolan suggested that Hackett, who has been rested the last couple of days, could be ready to play as soon as Friday's game against the Blackhawks, but also acknowledged the possibility that the goalie's absence might last a bit longer. The Sabres will play a back-to-back set on Friday and Saturday, so it would certainly be ideal for the team to have Hackett available for one of those games in order to give No. 1 goalie Anders Lindback a breather.

Hackett (knee) will not be available for Wednesday's game against the Maple Leafs, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports. Hackett was absent from Wednesday's skate while he continues to experience swelling in his knee. The Sabres hope to have him back in goal before the season draws to a close, but he'll need to show improved condition over the next few days in order for that to materialize. Andrey Makarov will stick around with the Sabres as the understudy to starting goalie Anders Lindback until Hackett is able to return.

Hackett is dealing with some recurring soreness and swelling in his knee. Coach Ted Nolan hopes that Hackett will be ready to play by Wednesday, when the Sabres play against the Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, Andrey Makarov was recalled by the team to back up Anders Lindback on Monday.