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Wednesday, October 4, 2000
LeClair, Flyers can't agree on multiyear deal
Associated Press
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VOORHEES, N.J. -- Talks between the Philadelphia Flyers and
John LeClair have broken down, leaving the star left wing in
position to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
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| LeClair |
"The Flyers did make a tremendous offer. It was close, but in
all fairness, it wasn't what we were looking for and we didn't
think it was something I should sign," LeClair said after practice
Tuesday.
The team did not comment Tuesday, but general manager Bob Clarke
said Monday he was disappointed that the sides couldn't reach an
agreement. LeClair said he doubted that talks would resume during
the season.
"Talks are done and it's time to move on and play hockey,"
LeClair said. "If they came up with an offer that would be
ridiculous to turn down, that's one thing. But I don't anticipate
that and I'm not going to sit around and hold my breath and wait
for something like that."
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported earlier in the week that the Flyers were believed to have offered a four- or five-year deal that averages $7.5 million to $8 million a year. Flyers chairman Ed Snider said LeClair was asking for significantly more than the $9 million a year he requested in arbitration.
LeClair won the largest arbitration award in NHL history last
month, getting a one-year deal for $7 million. He made $3.96
million last season.
Clarke has said LeClair was offered a four-year deal "that goes
well beyond the value set by the arbitrator at $7 million."
LeClair said he still wants to stay in Philadelphia.
"There's no hard feelings on my part and I don't think on their
part," he said "It's just part of the game, and it's not really
even part of hockey. It's the other part of the business that, as a
player, it's not a great thing to be involved in."
LeClair is one of the NHL's top goal-scorers and has been an
All-Star since joining the Flyers in 1995. He has an NHL-high 235
goals over the past five seasons.
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