Hatcher Signs with Detroit

[Turbulence]

TSN.ca Staff

7/2/2003

These are quiet days on the NHL free agent front, but Detroit was a hub of activity Wednesday, as the Red Wings lost one of their best known players, and reportedly landed one of the biggest names on the free agent market.

Reports from Detroit are saying that Hatcher has agreed to terms with the Red Wings, who have called a new conference for this afternoon. NHL sources have told TSN that Detroit has offered Dallas captain Derian Hatcher a 5 year contract worth $6 million per season, after offering him a 4 year deal worth $5.5 million earlier in the day.

"I think the Red Wings are bidding against themselves," said one G.M. contacted by TSN.

Hatcher made $4.2 million last year before becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer. He was a finalist last season in voting for the Norris trophy as the NHL's top defenceman.

The Stars broke off negotiations with Hatcher last week, unwilling to offer the 12-year veteran the long term deal he's been seeking.

Sources familiar with the talks say that Dallas did not discuss financial terms with the 31 year old Michigan native, who has been with the organization for all of his 12 NHL seasons.

[Guyute]

holy crow... $6mil/5yrs. whew. there goes detroit again. so much for paring the payroll eh? :)

[nccanes]

Yeah Guy. Between the goalies and Hatcher, they're up to what? 22 mil? ;)

Anyway. Here he is:

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030703/capt.1057262868.red_wings_hatcher_dta101.jpg

[StormShaman]

*puke*

One more reason to despise the Wings--they now have my least favorite player ever.

[Turbulence]

In related news...Mike Modano will wear the C next year for the Stars.

[Jillsdad]

He looks like the frickin elephant man in that photo.


I am not an animal, oh yeah maybe I am.

[Shell]

(posted since everyone hangs on to Hull's every last word ;))

Hull says Stars regressed during off-season deals
By Mac Engel
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DALLAS - Leave it to Brett Hull to say the ugly truth. Or, at least his version of the ugly truth.

The former Stars wing said this season's Stars will not be as good as they were last season.

"No, I don't think they will," said Hull, 39, who scored 37 goals for the Detroit Red Wings last season. "They lost [defenseman Derian] Hatcher [to Detroit in free agency], and they didn't gain anybody."

He also said he does not feel the three-way deal in which the Stars traded defenseman Darryl Sydor and received Teppo Numminen is an improvement.

"I think Syd is better; he's younger and stronger," Hull said.

Stars center Mike Modano doesn't put much stock in Hull's remarks.

"Teams change all the time, and there are still ways to be competitive and win," Modano said.

The Stars won the Pacific Division last season with the best record in the West but lost in the West semifinals.

Hull added that he thought Stars general manager Doug Armstrong was put in a difficult position given that the team was trying to make financial decisions based on an uncertain labor agreement. The NHL collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2003-04 season.

"What are you doing to do? You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see the things they did and why they happened," Hull said.

All that said, Hull maintains that if he has the chance he would still like to finish his career with the Stars.

"No question. And the Red Wings know that, too," Hull said.

Hull signed a one-year extension before last season ended.

Hull was in Dallas on Tuesday night with his father, Bobby, as guests at the Sports Legend Series.

Three more dates on the Sports Legend Series are set: Pete Rose on Sept. 23, Joe Montana on Oct. 21 and Don Meredith on Jan. 27.

Seating is limited. Tickets are available at (817) 267-3800.