The relatively stagnant free-agent season may be affecting Slava Kozlov's efforts to get more money from the Atlanta Thrashers.

	Kozlov

Kozlov, the team's second-leading scorer, is looking for $3.5 million to $4 million per season on a three- to four-year deal, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday, adding that Atlanta is offering $9.3 million over three seasons. So the difference of opinion is at least $1.2 million.

Scott Lites, Kozlov's agent, is hopeful a deal will be reached by the end of next week -- though not necessarily with Atlanta. Lites told the AJC he has talked to "several" other teams since the left winger became an unrestricted free agent July 1.

"One way or the other, I think we can get something done in the next 10 days," he told the paper.

The AJC speculated that Waddell is counting on Kozlov not being deluged with offers in this slower-than-usual July. The short time left in the league's collective bargaining agreement -- it expires in September 2004 -- is believed to be putting a damper on the wheeling and dealing.

Kozlov made $2.35 million in his first season and set a Thrashers record with 49 assists, forming a formidable top-line threat along with right wing Dany Heatley. Kozlov also scored 22 goals.