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Bergen Record: Niedermayer negotiations stalled


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This was from the print version. They are very slow in geting it online today.

Niedermayer says nothing has been done since he has his new agents, despite conflicting reports, that it is close to be done.

Hopefully the Record gets it's act together soon, so I can put up the article.

Highlights: Epp his friend and agent said they met Lou at the draft but nothing yet.

Here's a quote from Niedermayer about signing before filing for arbitation: "A possibility? Yes of course there is. But I don't even know if that's what I want to yet. I'll announce it within a week , I guess." :blink::unsure:

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(Finally the article!)

Niedermayer negotiations stalled

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=e...2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2

Friday, July 9, 2004

By TOM GULITTI

STAFF WRITER

With talk circulating that Scott Niedermayer is close to re-signing with the Devils after changing agents last month, the reigning Norris Trophy winner said Thursday that there was little "going on" in contract negotiations and he has yet to decide whether he will file for arbitration before the July 15 deadline.

"There hasn't been much going on the last little while, but we've got some decisions to make coming up pretty quick," Niedermayer said.

Niedermayer's decision to replace former agent Don Meehan with childhood buddies Kevin Epp and Jarrett Bousquet cleared a potential obstacle from negotiations because of Meehan's often-combative relationship with Devils' general manager Lou Lamoriello. But Niedermayer said the Meehan-Lamoriello dynamic was not a factor, and his parting with Meehan was amicable.

"Don Meehan, I had no problems with the work he did for me," Niedermayer said. "It's more that I have a couple of good friends that are trying to get into the business. ... I don't think it really changes anything. Everyone knows Lou does what he thinks is best for the team no matter who he's dealing with, so that was not why the move was made at all."

Although one NHL source insisted Thursday that Niedermayer, 30, is on the verge of agreeing to a four-year deal for nearly $8 million per season and another claimed the deal was done, Epp said Lamoriello has not made an offer since he and Bousquet took over.

"We just met Lou at the draft and there hasn't really been anything ongoing," Epp said.

If Niedermayer files for arbitration, he would receive a one-year contract with a salary that could exceed $9 million. Chris Pronger's $9.5 million salary last season is certain to be named by the players' association as a comparable.

Niedermayer said he could sign before filing, but wouldn't commit to anything.

"A possibility? Yes, of course there is," Niedermayer said. "But I don't even know if that's what I want to do yet. I'll announce that within a week, I guess."

Epp and Bousquet grew up with Niedermayer in Cranbrook, B.C. Bousquet and Niedermayer were junior teammates in Kamloops.

STEVENS AIMS TO PLAY: Having experienced no symptoms or setbacks in his recovery from post-concussion syndrome this summer, Devils' captain Scott Stevens said he is working out with the intention of playing next season.

"We have time on our side here and time before training camp and we'll see what happens in the [collective bargaining] agreement," he said Thursday. "I feel good. I'm not really thinking about the end result too much. I'm just trying to enjoy myself."

Stevens, who missed the last 43 games of the regular season and all of the playoffs, has been working out three days a week at South Mountain Arena. He has not been to Montreal to be reexamined by concussion specialist Dr. Karen Johnston during the off-season.

"I might do that later this summer," he said.

There is no rush, however, with a lockout expected when the CBA expires Sept. 15.

FRIESEN SIGNS: As expected, left wing Jeff Friesen, a restricted free agent, has accepted his one-year, $3 million qualifying offer.

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> Stevens ... has been working out three days a week at South Mountain Arena.

:pray:

i don't want to get my hopes up too high. if there's a L---out he could be an old man by the time the season resumes but dammit i want to see him play again. I miss him :(

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i don't want to get my hopes up too high. if there's a L---out he could be an old man by the time the season resumes but dammit i want to see him play again. I miss him :(

:saddevil: me too...

But at least I saw him at the car dealership signing Langue31.gif

:o that wasn't very nice of me was it... :unsure:

:evil:

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Isn't this the same clown that just said yesterday that Niedermayer was on the brink of signing an $8 million deal? Either this guy is bi-polar or he needs to get his facts straight before putting them in print.

And I don't buy this propaganda from Niedermayer regarding why he changed agents. Just doesn't ring true to me - why give up a very high profile agent who was "doing a good job" for you just to sign with a couple of friends just starting off. Right.

My advice to Niedermayer - stop thinking so damned much and just go with your gut feeling for a change. Talk about over-analytical.

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My advice to Niedermayer - stop thinking so damned much and just go with your gut feeling for a change. Talk about over-analytical.

Is that like "stop thinking, you only hurt the team?" :lol:

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This is good news, on Stevens front anyway. I want Hale to play a couple more seasons with Stevens to learn some tricks. He didn't have the opportunity to play with Daneyko. I think haveing Laperriere and Robinson will help alot though.

Edited by Jas0nMacIsaac
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I'd say Brown isn't going to get much better PK. With Stevens our defense isn't bad at all. It looks much deeper on paper at least.

Stevens-Hale

Niedermayer-Martin

Rafalski-White

wouldn't it be better to switch martin and hale there so you get some balance?

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I dunno about you, but I'd have difficulty trying to watch someone else and play my own position at the same time. Having never played the game, I dunno...

Edited by Don
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