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September 10, 1999
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
No contract, no show for big captain Primeau
Carolina Hurricanes' captain Keith Primeau will not report to training catnp without a new contract. And his teammates back his decision. “Nobody on the team is going to point a finger at Keith and say, 'You're wrong,'” said left winger Gary Roberts. “He's very well-liked on this team. Obviously he feels this is the time for him to make some big money.” Primeau, 27, will remain at his summer home in the Toronto area while the rest of his family will return to Raleigh in order for his 11-year-old son, Corey, to attend school. Primeau rebuffed the Hurricanes' first three contract proposals. According to his agent, Don Reynolds, the numbers ranged from $4 to $4.5 million per sea son. Primeau, however, is reportedly seeking a deal that falls in the range of the…
Tampa: Team Turnover
There has been so much change in Tampa Bay-from ownership right dowp to the decor in the dressing rooms-the franchise is barely recognizable. New owner. New GM. New coach. New players. New scouts. New attitude. But is it the same old organization? It is. Then again, it isn't. Confused? Understandable. Those still uncertain should refer to the team's jersey. See, it is the Tampa Bay Lightning. Really, it is. It's fortunate the team's logo will stay the same for 1999-2000, because without that bolt across the sweater, it might be easy to forget this is the same franchise that spent the past two seasons firmly entrenched in the NHL basement. That is the legacy the new regime must overcome. It won't be easy. New GM Rick Dudley knows it, which is why he has gone to…
Miller plans to show he's underpaid
Aaron Miller gained a reputation for speaking his mind during the Colorado Avalanche's playoff series victory over the Detroit Red Wings last spring. When the Avs got down two games to none, Miller blasted his team over its poor effort and was credited for helping wake his club up after it won the next four games. It came as no surprise, then, when Miller voiced his displeasure in the off-season, this time over his contract. A rugged defenseman. Miller was awarded a two-year, $1.725-million deal by an NHL arbitrator Aug. 11, his 28th birthday. He didn't consider it much of a present. “To be honest, I'm not too crazy about it,” Miller said. “I think I'm still underpaid.” Miller, who was plus-§ in 19 play-off games for Colorado, was looking for a salary closer to the…
Team turns attention to iceas ownership mess settled
When Mario Lemieux's plan to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins was approved in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in June, few thought it would take more than two months before he took control. But the bankruptcy process accelerates for no man. “It seems like we do everything three times, “said exasperated U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ber-nard J. Markovitz. Thankfully for Pitts-burgh, Lemieux's $95-million takeover was finally set to become official. All that was required was for the NHL's Board of Governors to approve the sale and that was expected to occur Sept. 1. That it took him so long to secure the team did not significantly hamper the Penguins' business operations. GM Craig Patrick was given a budget by Lemieux (a little more than $30 million for next season) and promptly signed six of the team's 10…