NHL

Union head approves a re-vote

TORONTO - Ted Saskin decided to reopen the vote on his appointment as executive director of the NHL Players' Association, trying to appease a faction challenging the way in which he was named union boss.

He had overwhelming support from player representatives during a conference call with the executive board Monday night. But some players complained that the vote by reps and the NHLPA executive committee to appoint Saskin was done over the phone rather than by a secret ballot as NHLPA bylaws spell out.

Maple Leafs player rep Bryan McCabe, who publicly complained about the way the first executive board vote was taken Aug.31, seemed content Tuesday in the aftermath of Saskin's decision to hold a second vote via secret ballot.

"It'll be a dead issue I'm sure in a few days," said McCabe, who was among the naysayers in the 31-6 phone vote.

Whether the second vote heads off a legal challenge from disgruntled executive committee member Trent Klatt remains to be seen.

Klatt, who retired Monday with a year left on his contract with the Kings, did not partake in the executive board conference call.

BLUES: The team signed right wing Scott Young, an unrestricted free agent who spent four seasons in St. Louis before going to Dallas.

PENGUINS: Owner-player Mario Lemieux said the team expects to lose at least $7-million this season despite a more favorable labor agreement, player salary concessions and a big jump in ticket sales created by adding rookie Sidney Crosby.

[Last modified September 14, 2005, 02:15:34]