Source: 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 counter offer from Kariya’s agent, Don Baizley.

Baizley has denied that Kariya is seeking a deal that would pay him $8 million per season. Although money is certainly an major issue in the negotiations, the length of Kariya’s deal also is believed to be a key stumbling block.