While Mike Barnett begins the adjustment from player representative to NHL general manager, fellow power agent Don Meehan quickly put an end to any speculation that he might be next to make the move.

	Don Meehan, right, prefers to stay on Mike Peca's side of the negotiation table.

"First of all, I don't have any intentions of becoming a general manager," he said. "I'm sticking to this side of the fence and will stay here until I retire."

Meehan, who heads Newport Sports Management, Inc., in Mississauga, Ontario, has been rumored as a candidate for several GM positions over the past several years. Like Barnett, the former president of IMG's hockey division, Meehan has cultivated and developed a group of high-profile clients. While assembling clientele is a tad easier than assembling an organization, one similarity lies in the ability to recognize talent. Coupled with Barnett's knowledge of the game, Meehan believes Barnett's transition will be a smooth one.

"I think his is the right kind of extensive background," he said. "With his knowledge of players and the great staff he has in Phoenix with Cliff Fletcher and Laurence Gilman, he'll ease in quite well."

Though Barnett may assimilate easily to his new position, Meehan pointed out that not all agents are qualified to be general managers.

"It depends on the individual. I don't think you can generalize about agents' qualities. It also depends on the circumstances and criteria (of a team)," he said.

Joseph, Lidstrom head into final contract seasons

	Lidstrom

	Joseph

The contract status of two of Meehan's clients are high on the priority lists of their respective teams -- Toronto goaltender Curtis Joseph and Detroit defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom. Both players are in the final years of their current contracts and are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2002.

Leafs coach and general manager Pat Quinn identified Joseph and captain Mats Sundin as "cornerstone guys" in July. When Quinn signed Sundin to a six-year deal worth $52.5 million, he said he hoped to have Joseph re-signed soon. Meehan said he hasn't heard from the Maple Leafs regarding their No. 1 netminder, who will make $6.5 million this season. He added that Joseph, 34, isn't against the idea of negotiating during the season. However, should free agency come calling "he'll review his options."

Though Lidstrom, 31, was considering returning to his native Sweden, he signed a three-year deal worth $22 million in August 1999. Meehan didn't comment on whether or not the 2001 Norris Trophy winner still wants to play in his homeland, but he did say he expects to be contacted by the Red Wings about an extension when training camp begins. When that happens, he added, Lidstrom will "take what the Wings submit and give it due consideration."

Sherry Skalko is the NHL Editor for ESPN.com.