Bettman Steers Clear

Commissioner Gary Bettman said Friday the NHL has no intention of intervening in the contract stalemate between the Ducks and all-star left wing Paul Kariya.

“We don’t get involved in situations like that,” Bettman said. “We have not put any pressure on anybody in the Mighty Ducks-Paul Kariya situation. But, again, it will be a shame if he’s not in Japan [for the first games of the season next week against Vancouver]. But that’s no reason for Anaheim to pay him more than they feel is appropriate. And there’s no reason for Paul Kariya to sign for less than he feels is appropriate.

“It’s something they need to work out.”

Bettman said the league made no guarantees that Kariya, or any other player, would be in uniform for the NHL’s first regular-season games played outside North America.

“There seems to be some confusion over this, but we never promised promoters any particular players,” Bettman said. “The games are both sold out. Paul Kariya might not be there, but Mark Messier [who signed as a free agent with Vancouver during the off-season] will be. We’d very much like Paul Kariya to be there. It will be an exciting and gratifying trip for those who are there. It’s going to be a great prelude to the Nagano Olympics later this season.

“But the Mighty Ducks and Paul Kariya have to come together at a level they’re both comfortable with.”

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The Ducks left only forward Kevin Todd unprotected for Sunday’s waiver draft. Teams could protect 18 skaters and two goalies.

Todd, acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in last season’s waiver draft, is expected to be sidelined up to two weeks after he was struck by a puck in Wednesday’s exhibition against the Phoenix Coyotes.

General Manager Jack Ferreira refused to comment on specific players left unprotected by other teams. The Ducks pick 28th overall and Ferreira is uncertain if he can pick up a quality player.