Kariya Seeks Shorter Deal

Unsigned restricted free agent Paul Kariya wants a three-year contract that would pay him $8 million this season, $9 million in 1998-99 and $10 million in 1999-2000, an NHL source said Saturday.

The Ducks’ most recent offer is a seven-year, $49-million deal. They made several other earlier offers, but none were shorter than five seasons. Their initial proposal was a five-year, $25-million contract.

Neither Kariya nor Duck General Manager Jack Ferreira has so far disclosed what the all-star left wing wants. Ferreira has repeatedly said he has received no counteroffer from Kariya’s agent, Don Baizley.

Baizley has denied that Kariya is seeking a deal that would pay him $8 million per season. He also has said he doesn’t know what Kariya’s “market value” is, which has slowed the talks.

Although money is a major issue, the length of Kariya’s deal also is believed to be a key issue.

A three-season contract for Kariya would mean the Ducks must renegotiate his new deal plus one for right wing Teemu Selanne, whose current one ends after 1999-2000.