The Gazette from Montreal, Quebec, Canada • 38

2 THE GAZETTE, MONTREAL, THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1995 IS ta fl he CANADIAN PRESS "A fairly significant dropoff (in production) takes place at that time (between 30 and 32)," said Winnipeg-based player agent Don Baizley. "Obviously, a player wants free agency as early as possible. Once you get to 30, every year is a big year. "As for the owners, it was the concept of season: scored 1 6 goals and added 44 assists. In '92-93: 15 goals, 58 assists and won the Norris Trophy as the league's top defender.

Jamie Macoun, steady Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman. Last year: three goals, 27 assists and 115 penalty minutes. In '92-93: four, 15 and 55. 27, 23 and 3.31. Here's a look at a couple of other aging star players, and their statistics at ages 3 1 and 32.

Mike Gartner, union president and the league's fifth leading goal-scorer. He's now 35. In 1989-90, at age 30, he had 45 goals and 41 assists. In 1990-91: 49 and 20. In 1991-92: 40 and 41.

Bernie Nicholls, New Jersey Devils centre who once scored 70 goals in a year. In 1993-94, at age 32, he scored 19 goals and 27 assists in 61 games. In '92-93: 13 and 47 in 69. In '91-92: 20 and 29 in 50. i- "The younger a player becomes a free agent the greater his bargaining power," Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher said when asked why owners remained so steadfast on free agency.

TORONTO It was the deal-maker. It could have been the deal-breaker. "It" was the bitter debate between hockey players and owners over when veteran NHLers could become unrestricted free agents. Eventually, the critical argument boiled down to 1 whether players would get freedom at age 3 1 (the players had originally sought free agency at 28, then 30) or 32 (the owners' hard-line position). The two sides compromised, with free agency coming at 32 for the first three years of a six-year deal, 31 for the last three.

But why did such a seemingly small difference almost kill an entire National Hockey League season? unrestricted free agency that they were worried about," Baizley added. "They wanted to fight that as long and hard as they could." Here's a look at some players who were 32 as of July 1, 1994, and who would have qualified for free agency this season if their contracts had expired and the current agreement been in place. Chris Chelios, standout Chicago defenceman. Last Joel Otto, hard-nosed Calgary Flames centre. Last yean 1 1, 12 and 92.

In '92-93: 19, 33 and 150. Phil Bourque, journeyman Ottawa Senators forward. Last year: two goals, four assists in 25 games. In '92-93: six and 14 in 55 games. Don Beaupre, Washington Capitals goalie.

Last yean 24 wins, 16 losses, 2.84 goals-against average. In '92-93: Image of our sport i "Wt will suffer: Gretzky Settlement comes with a high cost ASSOCIATED PRESS 1 pooled their resources. People like (Philadelphia Flyers owner) Ed Snider and (Kings co-owner and chairman) Joe Cohen really wanted to play hockey. "I think people like that gave Mr. (NHL commissioner Gary) Bettman more room to make a deal LOS ANGELES Wayne Gret-zky, the National Hockey League's career goals and assists leader, is pleased the 1 03-day lockout is over.

"Both sides gave in over the weekend," Gretzky said after yes if 1 1 happen. They gave up the salary cap and we gave them tremendous JEM fV 1 CP CP Sob Goodenow and players' union were on the defensive this time. Gary Bettman arrived in NHL carrying a lot of baggage. terday settlement was announced. "That's what made the deal happen.

Both sides bent quite a bit, and we got a deal done." But at a high cost, Gretzky realizes. "The image of professional sports, especially of the athletes, has really become very negative over the last few years," he said. "It seems it's getting worse and worse. "It's really hard for the average person in North America to understand why athletes complain and bicker over the kind of money they are making. Conse econd time around drag in a lot of areas, so I think both sides have to be relatively happy." How will Gretzky vote? "I'm voting to play, it's pretty easy," he replied at the Iceoplex in suburban North Hills, where the Kings practice.

HELSINKI -For over two months, they were the stars on the Finnish hockey scene. Yesterday, Jarri Kurri and Teemu Se-lanne were happy to pack their bags to return to the National Hockey League. "It feels good; hopefully, we get to do the real job soon," Selanne Bettman earns praise for getting settlement 'A hell of a Pocklington says harder for Goodenow Union boss had some fires to put out CANADIAN PRESS CANADIAN PRESS AP quently, the image of our sport Is Wayne Gretzky gives thumbs up. fires to put out. Canadiens goalie Patrick Roy said he was willing to support the owners' desire for a rookie salary cap long before union negotiators found it in their interests to capitulate on this issue.

Then New Jersey's Stdphane Richer, a former Canadien, said he felt the players would have accepted the owners' offer if it had been put to a vote by the rank-and-file membership. Players were also split on the issue of NHLers going overseas or to the International Hockey League to play during the lockout. But he put those fires out, pushed the dreaded league-wide salary cap off the table and retained the respect of the players who hired him. Goodenow portrayed himself during the dispute as a bridge-builder and the players as the good guys who just wanted to play hockey. Perhaps the strategy evolved because he understands that hockey players love to play hockey.

"Anyone who doesn't respect Bob, or further endorse his future as our executive director, is crazy," said Los Angeles defenceman Marty McSorlcy, a member of the NHLPA's bargaining committee. "Bob has worked hard making sure the players speak up and ask "Without Gary Bettman, we wouldn't have had this deal," said Pocklington, who was on the comr mittee that hired Bettman away-from the NBA two years ago. jj It was a bumpy ride for the rookie commissioner. He didn't have the respect, but did gain the attention, of the players. Brett Hull, one of hockey's most outspoken and recognizable stars, just shook his head in disgust told in December that Bettman had been given the authority to cancel the season.

"A guy who doesn't know what hockey's all about?" Hull said. NHL owners didn't really care about Bettman's hockey knowledge when they hired him in the winter of 1 993. They needed a strong negotiator to face off against union leader Bob Goodenow and bring the NHL a cost-saving deal. He showed how tough he could be when he negotiated an agreement last season with the on-ice of-' ficials, who staged a short walkout before coming to terms. He's done a number of things td improve the NHL's visibility in the United States.

He negotiated a five-year, 155-million contract with the' Fox TV network. Regardless of his knowledge of hockey, there's one thing Bettman knows a lot about and that's nego-' tiating. TORONTO The second time around proved so much harder for Bob Goodenow. The Detroit lawyer and former college hockey player was hailed for his acumen as a negotiator during the 1992 players' strike, which earned his constituents favorable free agency and salary arbitration rights. In forging his first collective bargaining agreement after running the union for about a year, Goodenow sent two messages: he had become a major figure in hockey and the players' association was not to be taken lightly.

This time with National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman on the other side of the table, replacing president John Ziegler Goodenow had a rougher ride. Firstly, the union was on the defensive. The NHL locked the players out Oct. 1 hoping that by putting the screws to the players financially -the players have not had an NHL paycheque since April 14, 1994 -would help the league's cause. The owners wanted some form of salary cap, plus heavier restrictions on free agency and salary arbitration.

Secondly, Goodenow had some TORONTO Gary Bettman arrived in the National Hockey League carrying a lot of baggage. His detractors, mostly players, said he was the hired gun who didn't know hockey, bent on imposing the "dreaded" salary cap on the NHL. His supporters, mostly owners, didn't care if their hired gun didn't know hockey because he was going to bring the "revered" salary cap to the NHL something he had helped marshal into the National Basketball Association, where he had been a vice-president before being lured to the NHL. He didn't get a league-wide salary cap, but he got a cost-cutting deal good enough to win back the support of the disparate group of hawks and doves comprising the board of governors. "Gary did a hell of a deal," said Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington, who was one of the seven owners who had voted against offering the players the deal that was given tentative approval yesterday.

Support for Bettman wavered the last two days it was said he was berated by some owners for the deal he helped broker early Tuesday -but there was no talk of dissension yesterday. said yesterday during his last visit to his home arena, the Helsinki Ice Hall. The Winnipeg Jets' scoring sensation said he had believed all the time that the NHL season would be salvaged by a labor agreement. He thought the long wait was worth it for the NHL Players' Association, especially when it came to the exclusion of the salary cap. "Once in awhile, there was frustration when the thing did not seem to be resolved," Selanne told a local newspaper.

Despite a shorter season, Kurri, the Los Angeles Kings stalwart, anticipated a tough job. "The game rhythm will be tight, and we have to travel a lot," Kurri said. "It won't be easy, it will still be a demanding season. We have to be in shape." Conditioning shouldn't be a problem for the two NHL stars. Selanne, 24, and Kurri, 34, have enjoyed a good time among friends, making their old club a winning team.

And playing on the bigger European rinks has helped them probably going to suffer for a while. I don't know when it's going to get on the same wave as it was on last June." Gretzky referred to the image the NHL had following the Stanley Cup final, when the New York Rangers rallied to beat the Vancouver Canucks to win their first championship since 1940. "Hopefully, eventually we'll win over the fans we had and win over new fans that we don't have," Gretzky said. "Hopefully, the sport itself can stand on its feet and I guess that's what we are all counting on." Just last Friday, Gretzky said he thought it would take a miracle for the owners and players to reach a settlement. Then it was back-and-forth until yesterday's agreement.

"Over the weekend, it went from probably not playing to it looks like it's going to happen, to maybe not, to maybe," he said. "There were a lot of owners who were going to live or die on the salary-cap issue. "Fortunately, there were a lot of owners who wanted a season to happen, and I think those people Text of final contract offer from NEIL to players' union 2. A qualifying offer is an offer of a one-year contract, subject to salary arbitration. For players earning the league average salary or less, the qualifying offer Is 1 1 0 per cent of the prior year's salary.

For players earning more than the league average salary, the qualifying offer is 100 per cent of the prior year's salary. This offer secures both the first refusal and draft choice compensation rights. Players 26 or over must be offered at least $400,000 tor the old club to retain a right to match. This amount will be indexed annually beginning after the 1996-97 season based on increases in the league average salary. B.

Free Agency Draft Choice Compensation 1. Draft choice compensation scale, based on total compensation offered by new club: Below $400,000 -None round $551 Second round round $801 million First and third round $1 million $1.2 million First and second round $1 .2 million $1 .4 million Two first rounds $1.4 million $1.7 million Two lirst rounds ana one second round Above $1 .7 million Three first rounds Each additional million One additional first round to a maximum five first rounds. Index on same basis as $400,000 qualifying offer. 2. Clubs owing one draft pick must have it available in the next draft.

Clubs owing two draft picks In the same round must have them available in the next three drafts. Clubs owing three draft picks must have them available In the next four drafts, and so forth. Clubs must use own picks. 3. No match and trade lor one year.

SALARY ARBITRATION A. Eligibility (see Point III) B. Comparablcs 1. Only contracts ol Group II players signed while In Group II may be used as comparablcs. Contracts signed by unrestricted Iree agonts not admlssable.

2. Qualifying offers not admissible. 3. No reference to "walk away" or "walk back." 4. Awards from which a club walks not admissible 4.

All signing, reporting, roster bonuses and non-cashnon-playing salary compensation limited to 50 per cent of player's annual compensation excluding performance bonuses. By way of example, if a 1995 draftee signs a contract with annual compensation of $825,000, his annual non-salary compensation (i.e. signing bonus, reporting bonus, cannot exceed $412,500. 5. Games played bonuses fall under the cap.

6. Mandatory two-way contracts at no more than 50 per cent of major-league minimum. NHL minimum at $125,000 through 1997-98 season, and $150,000 for remainder of CBA. Junior salary minimum ol $7,500 for 1995-97 drafts. $8,500 for 1998-2000 drafts.

7. Bona-fide performance bonuses, to be defined by the NHL and NHLPA, may be earned in addition to the base compensation. Amounts to be Individually negotiated. 8. Clubs unable to sign players selected In the first round within two years will recieve a compensatory draft choice in the next draft.

The selection will be the same choice, but one round lower. By way ol example, It a club cannot sign the 12th pick in the first round, It will recieve the12th pick in the second round as compensation, YEARS UNDER ENTRY SYSTEM AND ELIGI3ILTY FOR ARBITRATION Age at signing, years under cap, eligible for arbitration: 18, 3, After two years In Group II 19, 3, Aftor two years In Group II 20, 3, Aftor two years In Group II 21, 3, After one year In Group It 22, 2, After one year in Group II 23, 2, After one year in Group II 24,1, After one year In Group II 25, 0, After one year In Group II DGROUP II FREE AGENCY A. Qualifying Offer 1. On June 30 (or other agreed upon date for expiration of contracts) clubs must make a qualifying offer to any Group II player whoso contract has expired. no qualifying oltof is made, the playoi becomes an unrestricted Iroe agent.

5. Contracts of players who return to their old clubs and play at the qualifying offer not admissible. C. Terms of Awards 1. All awards must cover one or two years at club's election, which must be made when arbitration briefs are filed.

2. Players within one year of Group III or Group may only receive a one-year award. D. Procedures 1. Once a player elects salary arbitration, he will no longer be a free agent and his arbitration hearing shall be arranged promptly.

Players will have a two-week free-agency period before having to elect salary arbitration. 2. Briefs limited to 50 pages, exclusive of exhibits. 3. Arbitrator to supply a written statement of reasons.

E. Walk Away Rights 1. Clubs may "walk away" from an award within 72 hours as follows: (a) It two-year award player plays first year at the award, and then is unrestricted in advance of the second year; (b) If one-year award club may "walk away" and the player then becomes completely unrestricted. 2. In either case, the old club may match any offer that is less than 50 per cent ol the award.

3. Award must be at least $550,000 for club to have right to walk away. This amount will increase based on growth in the league aveiage salary annually. 4. Club is limited to three "walk aways" in two years, but may not use all of Its walk aways In any one year, 5.

After club walks, player within seven days may elect to play for one year for the old club at Its qualifying offer. DGROUP III FREE AGENCY 1 For 1995-97 any player aged 32 or older with at least four years NHL experience Is an unrestricted free agent upon expiration ol his contract. For 1998-2000 unrestricted free agency at age 31. 2. One year of NHL service means 40 games on roster.

3. Compensatory draft picks from "Pool" (not Irom signing Club). DGROUP IV FREE AGENCY 1. Current rules re: retention ol rights, 2. Group IV free agent signs subject to Entry Level' System (see point III).

GROUPS AND VI FREE AGENCY 1. Remain in effect under current rules. ROSTER SIZE 1. Active roster of 18 and 2. 2.

Total NHL roster limit of 24 beginning in 1995-96. In the event of expansion, NHL may lower limit to 23. Injured, players can be replaced it they miss seven days. No tion on replacement of injured players. 3.

Clubs may add any player on their reserve list to at the trade deadline. STANDARD PLAYER CONTRACT 1. One standard form contract. 2. All contracts guaranteed under current rules, includ--ing buyout.

3. Option years Individually negotiable, but carry rib" salary arbitration rights. 4. Automatic conversion of currency as per NHLPA posal. -1 5 5.

Retain current "Double Eagle" rules lor offer of mandatory one-way contracts. Two-way component remains Individually negotiable In all contracts. 6. "Good Faith" clause. 7.

Group III players only may Individually negotiate no trade clauses. PENSIONS 1. Accept NHLPA proposals to maintain current including sonlor playor plan in effect. TERM 1. Expiration Sept.

15, 2000. 2. Either NHL or NHLPA has the right to "roopen" at the' end of the 1997-98 season. -4 This is the text ol the final contract offer from the National Hockey League given tentative approval yesterday by the NHL Players' Association bargaining committee: ENTRY LEVEL A. Eliminate current Group 1 Free Agency 8.

Draft 1. One draft. No supplemental draft. 2. Nine rounds plus one compensatory.

3. Eligibility at age 19, with 18-year-olds having right to elect to be drafted. 4. Current rules re: retention of rights, including college player rules and "detected players" status. Current rules re: "redrafting" of drafted players who do not sign.

5. Club gets automatic one-year contract extension on 18- or 19-yoar-old player who signs and does not play at least 10 NHL regular-season games in his first season. Club gets a second one-year extension for an 18-year-old player who signs and does not play at least 10 NHL regular-season games in his second season. 6. Return dates to major juniors and ban on sending under-age players to minor leagues confirmed.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPENSATION 1. No entry level salary arbitration. Up to three-year contracts for all entry level playors, depending on age. Players signing at age 25 or older are not subject to entry level system. 2.

Maximum annual compensation lor entry level play- ers: Player drafted In: 1995 draft 1996 draft 1997 draft 1998 draft 1 1999 draft 2000 draft 3. Maximum annual compensation includes salary and all bonuses (e.g. signing, reporting, roster and similar bonuses) other than legitimate performance bonuses which may be separately negotiated. 1.