Shell
06-20-2003, 10:45 PM
Seriously: Melnyk wants higher payroll
Canadian Press
6/20/2003
TORONTO (CP) - With his purchase of the Ottawa Senators nearly complete, Eugene Melnyk is talking about increasing the Stanley Cup contender's payroll.
The incoming owner, whose intertwined purchase of the team's arena was rubber stamped by a judge Friday, removing one more hurdle for his takeover of the top-ranked club, said it's possible the Senators' near $30-million US annual player payroll will be raised for the 2003-04 season.
By how much will depend on the results of GM John Muckler's negotiations for new contracts with key players - in particular restricted free agents Wade Redden and Martin Havlat.
"It could increase. We'll have to see what happens in negotiations with John," Melnyk said Friday in Toronto of the Senators, long mired among the lower-ranks of NHL team payrolls and in jeopardy each season of losing its top stars.
Raises guaranteed for players under current contracts, plus pay increases sought by Redden, Havlat and backup goaltender Martin Prusek, would lift the team's payroll to about $37.5 million.
That doesn't include salaries of players expected to declare unrestricted free agency on July 1.
To get into the top-half of the league in player pay, the Senators would have to spend $43 million per season.
Melnyk was cautious in his responses on questions about the payroll, months after he stirred hopes in Ottawa he'll spend enough money to build a hockey "dynasty" in Ottawa.
In February, when it looked as though previous owner Rod Bryden would repurchase the franchise, Melnyk said as an owner he could "make trades that otherwise may not be able to be made" under previous ownership.
At least now, the Senators will be better able to retain top talent under billionaire Melnyk, who is among the richest people in Canada.
And perhaps more importantly to fans, he's bringing stability to a franchise that teetered on the brink of bankruptcy and perhaps relocation several months ago, just as the Senators were in the midst of a regular season that ended with the team at the top of the standings.
It's believed Melnyk's purchase commits him to keeping the team in Ottawa through the next decade.
His purchase of the Senators got a lot closer Friday when Justice James Chadwick approved the $27.5-million Cdn sale of the Corel Centre arena to Melnyk's Capital Sports Properties. The $100-million Cdn sale of the team was conditional on Melnyk acquiring the arena.
Redden made $3 million US this year and is said to be seeking between $4 and $5 million a season in a new deal.
Havlat made $960,000 this past season is expected to demand up to $2 million next year.
Defenceman Shane Hnidy recently signed a new one-year deal while the team also exercised an option on forward Shaun Van Allen.
Magnus Arvedson, Bryan Smolinski, Rob Ray and Jody Hull are all eligible for unrestricted free agency.
"Discussions are actually going on as we speak" with the Senators' potential free agents ahead of July 1, he said.
"I'm hoping to hear from (Muckler) next week on how those discussions went."
However, fans may not see Melnyk allow Muckler to dive deep into a free-agent market normally cornered by the big-budget Rangers, Stars and Red Wings.
Melnyk wouldn't commit Friday to the potential of acquiring talent on the free-agent market this summer.
The Senators likely don't need to go on a buying spree with a young team emerging into a consistent Cup contender.
"I'm looking forward to next season. We've got a great team, great management ... I think we're going to have some great fun next year."
Melnyk will be a lot happier if season-ticket sales increase. Senators spokesman Phil Legault said the team hopes to be able to raise its season-ticket base from 8,500 this year to about 11,500 next season.
Canadian Press
6/20/2003
TORONTO (CP) - With his purchase of the Ottawa Senators nearly complete, Eugene Melnyk is talking about increasing the Stanley Cup contender's payroll.
The incoming owner, whose intertwined purchase of the team's arena was rubber stamped by a judge Friday, removing one more hurdle for his takeover of the top-ranked club, said it's possible the Senators' near $30-million US annual player payroll will be raised for the 2003-04 season.
By how much will depend on the results of GM John Muckler's negotiations for new contracts with key players - in particular restricted free agents Wade Redden and Martin Havlat.
"It could increase. We'll have to see what happens in negotiations with John," Melnyk said Friday in Toronto of the Senators, long mired among the lower-ranks of NHL team payrolls and in jeopardy each season of losing its top stars.
Raises guaranteed for players under current contracts, plus pay increases sought by Redden, Havlat and backup goaltender Martin Prusek, would lift the team's payroll to about $37.5 million.
That doesn't include salaries of players expected to declare unrestricted free agency on July 1.
To get into the top-half of the league in player pay, the Senators would have to spend $43 million per season.
Melnyk was cautious in his responses on questions about the payroll, months after he stirred hopes in Ottawa he'll spend enough money to build a hockey "dynasty" in Ottawa.
In February, when it looked as though previous owner Rod Bryden would repurchase the franchise, Melnyk said as an owner he could "make trades that otherwise may not be able to be made" under previous ownership.
At least now, the Senators will be better able to retain top talent under billionaire Melnyk, who is among the richest people in Canada.
And perhaps more importantly to fans, he's bringing stability to a franchise that teetered on the brink of bankruptcy and perhaps relocation several months ago, just as the Senators were in the midst of a regular season that ended with the team at the top of the standings.
It's believed Melnyk's purchase commits him to keeping the team in Ottawa through the next decade.
His purchase of the Senators got a lot closer Friday when Justice James Chadwick approved the $27.5-million Cdn sale of the Corel Centre arena to Melnyk's Capital Sports Properties. The $100-million Cdn sale of the team was conditional on Melnyk acquiring the arena.
Redden made $3 million US this year and is said to be seeking between $4 and $5 million a season in a new deal.
Havlat made $960,000 this past season is expected to demand up to $2 million next year.
Defenceman Shane Hnidy recently signed a new one-year deal while the team also exercised an option on forward Shaun Van Allen.
Magnus Arvedson, Bryan Smolinski, Rob Ray and Jody Hull are all eligible for unrestricted free agency.
"Discussions are actually going on as we speak" with the Senators' potential free agents ahead of July 1, he said.
"I'm hoping to hear from (Muckler) next week on how those discussions went."
However, fans may not see Melnyk allow Muckler to dive deep into a free-agent market normally cornered by the big-budget Rangers, Stars and Red Wings.
Melnyk wouldn't commit Friday to the potential of acquiring talent on the free-agent market this summer.
The Senators likely don't need to go on a buying spree with a young team emerging into a consistent Cup contender.
"I'm looking forward to next season. We've got a great team, great management ... I think we're going to have some great fun next year."
Melnyk will be a lot happier if season-ticket sales increase. Senators spokesman Phil Legault said the team hopes to be able to raise its season-ticket base from 8,500 this year to about 11,500 next season.