| | Associated Press
DENVER -- In an era when pro athletes pursue the security of
a long-term contract, Colorado Avalanche forward Chris Drury
apparently prefers to take things one year at a time.
| |  | |
| Drury |
Drury, a restricted free agent who had 20 goals and 47 assists
last season, has been offered a multiyear contract, but the former
Calder Trophy winner could be absent when the Avalanche report to
training camp Thursday.
Drury's Boston-based agent, Mark Witkin, said his client would
like to sign a one-year deal for the 2000-01 season. Drury, who
made $640,000 last year, would then be eligible for arbitration
next summer.
"They have made offers which really channel him into a
long-term deal," Witkin said Tuesday. "In effect, they're saying,
'You have to go longer term,' and it's really what he doesn't want
to do. He wants the incentive of working hard every year and get a
contract based on what he contributed."
At only 24, Drury's best days are likely still ahead of him,
which would explain Colorado's desire to sign him to a longterm deal.
Colorado general manager Pierre Lacroix, who does not discuss
ongoing contract negotiations, has been busy this summer.
After re-signing key free agents Ray Bourque, Adam Deadmarsh,
Joe Sakic and Stephane Yelle, he has been trying to work out deals
with Drury and forward Milan Hejduk.
Hejduk, who had 36 goals and 36 assists last year, also would
prefer a one-year deal. Attempts to reach his agent Tuesday were
unsuccessful.
The Avalanche on Tuesday signed left wing Brad Larsen, 23, of
the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears, and defenseman Stewart
Malgunas, 30, who played four games with Calgary last year. Terms
were not announced. | |
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