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Sharks Firm In Ozolinsh Talks - Oct. 6, 1996 - Vol. 49, Issue 4 – Mike Weaver
San Jose Sharks expect Sandis Ozolinsh to set a few team records, but his most recent franchise first is one they could do without.
The 23-year-old defenseman is the club’s first player to hold out of training camp over a contract rift.
The Sharks thought Ozolinsh, Group II free agent, was going to accept a four-year deal worth about $1.4 million per season earlier this summer, but negotiations came apart after the Tampa Bay Lightning signed Roman Hamrlik to a four-year contract worth about $2 million per season.
Management stood firm on its offer, but Ozolinsh and agent Paul Theofanous were seeking closer to $1.7 million per season when camp opened. Ozolinsh has since said his request has dropped to $1.5 million per season.
“I don’t think the gap is big,” Ozolinsh said. “I think it can be done soon. I hope it is. I really, really want to be here.”
The Sharks have been unyielding because they don’t want other young players on the team to get the idea boycotting training camp is an effective way to negotiate.
“There is a bigger issue here,” said director of hockey operations Dean Lombardi. “I’m not interested in compromise anymore. What kind of precedent does that set?”
Theofanous said he has had discussions with other teams. But he said Ozolinsh wants to remain with the Sharks, who have the right to match any offer Ozolinsh might receive.
“I don’t know how long this is going to go on,” Theofanous said. “We have every intention of getting this done. It’s in the best interest of Sandis and the best interest of the team to do that.”
NOTEBOOK: Left winger Ray Whitney agreed to four-year deal Sept. 9 and will earn an average of about $900,000 per season…Goalie Arturs Irbe agreed to a one-year deal Sept. 15 worth about $1 million.
Veteran NHL defensemen Gordie Roberts and Sergei Bautin were attending training camp on a tryout basis
