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8-01-05, 3:15 PM
http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-spnhl014367274aug01,0,2675449.story?coll=ny-hockey-headlines
Isles, Aucoin: It's free for all
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BY ALAN HAHN
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
August 1, 2005
OTTAWA - Once considered the strength of their lineup, defense is now a priority for the Islanders as the NHL's free-agency season opens at noon today. At that time Adrian Aucoin is free to negotiate with all clubs and the Islanders are free to negotiate with all free agents.
"There's only so much money in the till and there is a salary cap," general manager Mike Milbury said. "It will be very interesting to see how this shakes out in the next couple of days."
Milbury had the past eight days to negotiate exclusively with Aucoin and his agent, Larry Kelly. So far, Aucoin has declined a four-year contract offer worth about $13 million that would have kept him on Long Island until he was 35. In comparison, Sergei Zubov, 35, re-signed with the Dallas Stars yesterday for $12 million over three years.
"I made him an offer that was substantial," Milbury said. "If it's not enough, there can't be much more. There may be room to fiddle around; we want him back. But I didn't come in and try to low-ball anybody."
Aucoin, who owns a home in Garden City, says he wants to keep his family on Long Island but can't deny himself the chance to determine his value on the open market. The Montreal Canadiens are believed to have strong interest, along with Philadelphia and Atlanta.
Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro endorsed Aucoin yesterday. "The guys love him," said DiPietro, a restricted free agent who could be signed to a long-term deal as early as this week. "It's a good mix when you have a guy who's vocal in the locker room and can back it up on the ice. You can't deny the type of player he is. He's an all-star player."
Along with Aucoin, the Islanders need to sign one more defenseman - figuring Roman Hamrlik won't be back - and the options are plenty. Brian Leetch leads a list that includes Brian Rafalski and perhaps Bryan Berard. Adam Foote or Mike Rathje would be options if they want size.
Center Dave Scatchard and forward Steve Webb also hit the open market today. Instead of going to free agency for forwards such as Miroslav Satan or Ziggy Palffy, Milbury said he plans to fill some forward spots by signing former first-round picks Robert Nilsson and Petteri Nokelainen.
The Rangers also are in the market for defensemen, preferably a skilled one among the group of free agents. Talk of the package deal of forwards Markus Naslund and Peter Forsberg coming to New York is thus far baseless but not completely unfounded. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, at the end of the season in Sweden, Forsberg suggested to Naslund the idea of teaming up and Naslund thought he was joking.
It wouldn't be a joke for the NHL, which desperately needs its flagship U.S. franchise to generate some buzz.
Cable deal for NHL?
The NHL is close to finalizing an agreement with a U.S.-based cable network, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The league recently re-opened talks with ESPN, which cut the NHL loose last spring in favor of poker and eating contests. Comcast also is planning a bid.
Wow...
Isles, Aucoin: It's free for all
Email this story
Printer friendly format
BY ALAN HAHN
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
August 1, 2005
OTTAWA - Once considered the strength of their lineup, defense is now a priority for the Islanders as the NHL's free-agency season opens at noon today. At that time Adrian Aucoin is free to negotiate with all clubs and the Islanders are free to negotiate with all free agents.
"There's only so much money in the till and there is a salary cap," general manager Mike Milbury said. "It will be very interesting to see how this shakes out in the next couple of days."
Milbury had the past eight days to negotiate exclusively with Aucoin and his agent, Larry Kelly. So far, Aucoin has declined a four-year contract offer worth about $13 million that would have kept him on Long Island until he was 35. In comparison, Sergei Zubov, 35, re-signed with the Dallas Stars yesterday for $12 million over three years.
"I made him an offer that was substantial," Milbury said. "If it's not enough, there can't be much more. There may be room to fiddle around; we want him back. But I didn't come in and try to low-ball anybody."
Aucoin, who owns a home in Garden City, says he wants to keep his family on Long Island but can't deny himself the chance to determine his value on the open market. The Montreal Canadiens are believed to have strong interest, along with Philadelphia and Atlanta.
Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro endorsed Aucoin yesterday. "The guys love him," said DiPietro, a restricted free agent who could be signed to a long-term deal as early as this week. "It's a good mix when you have a guy who's vocal in the locker room and can back it up on the ice. You can't deny the type of player he is. He's an all-star player."
Along with Aucoin, the Islanders need to sign one more defenseman - figuring Roman Hamrlik won't be back - and the options are plenty. Brian Leetch leads a list that includes Brian Rafalski and perhaps Bryan Berard. Adam Foote or Mike Rathje would be options if they want size.
Center Dave Scatchard and forward Steve Webb also hit the open market today. Instead of going to free agency for forwards such as Miroslav Satan or Ziggy Palffy, Milbury said he plans to fill some forward spots by signing former first-round picks Robert Nilsson and Petteri Nokelainen.
The Rangers also are in the market for defensemen, preferably a skilled one among the group of free agents. Talk of the package deal of forwards Markus Naslund and Peter Forsberg coming to New York is thus far baseless but not completely unfounded. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, at the end of the season in Sweden, Forsberg suggested to Naslund the idea of teaming up and Naslund thought he was joking.
It wouldn't be a joke for the NHL, which desperately needs its flagship U.S. franchise to generate some buzz.
Cable deal for NHL?
The NHL is close to finalizing an agreement with a U.S.-based cable network, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The league recently re-opened talks with ESPN, which cut the NHL loose last spring in favor of poker and eating contests. Comcast also is planning a bid.
Wow...