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Sunday, November 19, 2000
Deal progressed in Toronto hotel
By Al Morganti
Special to ESPN.com
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| Niedermayer |
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| Arnott |
The New Jersey Devils' chances of defending their Stanley Cup championship
got a lot better on Sunday when the team came to terms with both Scott Niedermayer
and Jason Arnott.
The price was $16 million over four years for Niedermayer, and $5.1
million guaranteed over two years for Arnott ($2.5 million and $2.6 million), with
an additional $900,000 in what should be easily attainable bonus money; in order to get the
$900,000 the Devils would have to make the playoffs in each of the next two years.
In the case of Niedermayer, the recent signing of Chris Pronger by the Blues for over $9 million per season appeared to set the bar higher, but Niedermayer
plays in a more defensive system with the Devils.
"Would we have liked to have gotten more, obviously," said Don Meehan,
the agent for both Niedermayer and Arnott. "But I think we worked out a fair deal
in the way it is structured. I think at times it was very heated, and very frustrating
to all involved."
Both players will be at practice on Monday, and each will be paid a
pro-rated share for the remainder of this season. The breakthrough occurred a week ago
yesterday (November 12) when New Jersey general manager Lou Lamoriello met with each of
the players and Meehan at a hotel in Toronto.
At that time, the Devils were adamant at a three-year deal for
Niedermayer at $3.5, $3.6 and $3.7 million for the three seasons. Meehan then suggested the club
try to accept a four-year deal, and an additional $5.2 million was added to the offer --
with the extra year.
The agreement also came about as the Devils dropped their threat to
subtract money for the players not being at training camp.
Al Morganti covers the NHL for ESPN.
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