Post by kbarbdamnit on Sept 12, 2006 15:07:29 GMT -5
www.nypost.com/sports/islanders/isles_to_add_kozlov_islanders_mark_everson.htm
September 12, 2006 -- The Islanders will sign center Viktor Kozlov to a one-year deal, The Post has learned, though goalie Rick DiPietro remains unsigned with just three days remaining before training camp.
In signing Kozlov, the Isles gain some bulk up the middle in the 6-foot-4 Russian pivot. He was also money in shootouts last season with the Devils, converting on eight of 12 chances - second best in the NHL.
As for DiPietro, time is ticking. According to sources, no formal offer has been made yet to the restricted free-agent, franchise goalie. It would not be out of the realm of possibility that he could be an 11th-hour signing. As per owner Charles Wang's policy, players who are not signed by the start of camp will not be permitted to play at all during the season.
GIONTA TO ATTEND DEVILS CAMP WITHOUT CONTRACT
The Devils will owe Brian Gionta one. Their record goal-scorer intends to attend training camp on his own dime.
After considering sitting out camp while unsigned as a restricted free agent, the 48-goal man was in the process yesterday of obtaining insurance to cover the substantial career risk of scrimmages and exhibitions to a star without a contract.
Gionta declined his summertime right to an arbitrated contract, which would have left him unrestricted after this season. Instead, he hoped Lou Lamoriello would sign him long-term, probably in the $3.5 million salary range. But the Devils' salary cap pickle has kept Lamoriello from completing a deal with Gionta, as well as Paul Martin and David Hale.
"We're in the process of getting insurance," agent Steve Bartlett said yesterday. "At least initially, that's what is likely to happen. He doesn't want to fall behind [in training].
The Devils' roster of camp invitees includes suspended Vladimir Malakhov, demoted Alexander Mogilny and Dan McGillis.
Evan Grossman contributed to this story.
September 12, 2006 -- The Islanders will sign center Viktor Kozlov to a one-year deal, The Post has learned, though goalie Rick DiPietro remains unsigned with just three days remaining before training camp.
In signing Kozlov, the Isles gain some bulk up the middle in the 6-foot-4 Russian pivot. He was also money in shootouts last season with the Devils, converting on eight of 12 chances - second best in the NHL.
As for DiPietro, time is ticking. According to sources, no formal offer has been made yet to the restricted free-agent, franchise goalie. It would not be out of the realm of possibility that he could be an 11th-hour signing. As per owner Charles Wang's policy, players who are not signed by the start of camp will not be permitted to play at all during the season.
GIONTA TO ATTEND DEVILS CAMP WITHOUT CONTRACT
The Devils will owe Brian Gionta one. Their record goal-scorer intends to attend training camp on his own dime.
After considering sitting out camp while unsigned as a restricted free agent, the 48-goal man was in the process yesterday of obtaining insurance to cover the substantial career risk of scrimmages and exhibitions to a star without a contract.
Gionta declined his summertime right to an arbitrated contract, which would have left him unrestricted after this season. Instead, he hoped Lou Lamoriello would sign him long-term, probably in the $3.5 million salary range. But the Devils' salary cap pickle has kept Lamoriello from completing a deal with Gionta, as well as Paul Martin and David Hale.
"We're in the process of getting insurance," agent Steve Bartlett said yesterday. "At least initially, that's what is likely to happen. He doesn't want to fall behind [in training].
The Devils' roster of camp invitees includes suspended Vladimir Malakhov, demoted Alexander Mogilny and Dan McGillis.
Evan Grossman contributed to this story.