Money No Object to Improve Team

The Ducks’ projected financial losses for 1998-99 will not prevent them from giving Paul Kariya and Guy Hebert fat new contracts at season’s end. It also will have no impact on the off-season pursuit of free agents.

So says Pierre Gauthier, team president/general manager, who last week said he expects the Ducks will lose “a whole lot of money” this season.

“We love those guys and we hope to make deals with those guys,” Gauthier said of Kariya and Hebert.

Kariya, earning $8.5 million this season, will be a restricted free agent after the season ends. The Ducks have the right to match any outside offer Kariya might receive.

Hebert, making $2.6 million, will be an unrestricted free agent. Hebert is free to sign with the highest bidder.

You can bet neither will ask for a pay cut, particularly if they continue their standout play this season. But Gauthier indicated he won’t decline to re-sign two of his marquee players simply because they demand raises.

“The challenge is not to start losing players to make [the team’s finances] work,” Gauthier said. “The challenge is to improve the team if we’re going to increase the payroll. The best way to make money in sports is still to win.”

Asked if Disney Chairman Michael Eisner had expressed any concerns about red ink for the first time for the Ducks, Gauthier said:

“Our parent company is totally committed to building winning clubs. Our responsibility is to put the best club on the ice for the lowest dollars possible.”

The Ducks’ payroll was about $25 million last season and they finished with a 26-43-13 record and missed the playoffs. Raises for Kariya, Hebert, Teemu Selanne and a new contract for Steve Rucchin accounted for most of a payroll increase to more than $30 million to start this season.

“Right now, our biggest priority is building the team, building the identity of the club,” Gauthier said. “We’re totally committed to building a winning club, a contending club that can win the Stanley Cup.”