If Senators general manager John Muckler thought the three-year, $9.25-million contract signed by Lightning center Brad Richards was bad for hockey, wait 'til he gets a load of the contract proposed by the agent for Wild forward Marian Gaborik.
Three years, $19.5-million, according to reports in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The Wild offered three years at $9.5-million with incentives that could add $1.75-million a season.
Either deal would supplant Richards' contract as the standard for players coming out of three-year, entry-level deals.
Asked if Gaborik will play this season if the offer is final, agent Allan Walsh said, "Not this year." That is bad news for Minnesota, which went to last season's West final but started this season 1-3-0.
That doesn't mean general manager Doug Risebrough is ready to cave.
"Richards changed the marketplace," Risebrough said. "I don't believe one player is changing the marketplace all the time, but I felt in this case to get something done it had to be considered strongly. That's why this offer is better than any (second-contract) offer any player has ever been given."
Lemieux wants to play
Mario Lemieux told reporters in Montreal he does not intend to sit through his 16th season, though his health will dictate the number of games he plays.
"I'd like to play as many as I can," he said. "As long as I'm going to be healthy, I'll be out there."
Lemieux, who played 67 games last season, said a summer workout program did wonders for his perpetually sore back. Still, the Montreal Gazette reported Lemieux switched from Nike to CCM equipment because Nike wanted assurances about how many games Lemieux would play.
Pittsburgh faces Tampa Bay Nov. 8 at the St. Pete Times Forum.
Five questions: With Coyotes center Chris Gratton:
Q : You diggin' the new uniforms?
A: I think the uniforms are great. It's kind of a retro uniform as far as keeping it simple and making it with nice bright colors. Everybody really likes them.
Q : Are they responsible for the team's quick start?
A: I don't think it matters. But when the uniforms are considered unique and cool, it's always nice to put them on.
Q : Still a McDonald's fan?
A: Maybe a couple of years ago. Not so much anymore. You have to keep up with the young guys. I guess when you become a little older, you become a little wiser.
Q : Your favorite McDonald's meal?
A: Oh, the Big Macs. I could grab two or three at a sitting.
Q : Your diet now?
A: Protein is a big way to go, and just no fast food. It's a long season. You want to keep your weight down or where it's at. Staying away from junk food is a good start.
Around the league
The Hurricanes assigned goalie Arturs Irbe to ECHL Johnstown. They will pay him $2.5-million this season and $2.7-million in 2004-05. ... Goalie Andrew Raycroft has been impressive in Boston and may be about to bump Felix Potvin from the No. 1 job. ... Carolina captain Ron Francis is back at center. He had been playing left wing because of the emergence of rookie Eric Staal. ... Panthers and former Lightning defenseman Mathieu Biron is out for a month after breaking his hand when he was slashed by Boston's Jeff Jillson. ... Is it any wonder Anaheim lost its first four games? The Orange County Register reported the past 19 Stanley Cup runners-up fared worse the following regular season. ... Eric Daze's back is bothering him again. The Blackhawks left wing has had two surgeries the past three years. ... The Denver Post winning entry to name the Joe Sakic-Teemu Selanne-Paul Kariya line: the SSKary Line. ... Detroit's Brett Hull played in 211 consecutive games before a sore back kept him out Thursday against the Canucks. ... Jeff Hackett is the first Flyers goalie to pitch consecutive shutouts to start a season. ... The Thrashers and Rangers, and Flyers and Sharks played 0-0 ties Thursday. The Elias Sports Bureau said the last time that happened on the same day was Dec. 30, 1934. ... Rumors are Toronto's Tie Domi will be traded. Domi said he would rather retire.
Quotable
"He's just a kid trying to make his mark like I was. I had lots of guys give me my chance. I wasn't going to turn him down. I know one thing, he stands in toe to toe. Lots of guys just hold on." - Oilers tough guy Georges Laraque after beating up Buffalo's Andrew Peters.
- Compiled by staff writer Damian Cristodero from personal interviews and information from other news organizations.
