McNall Says Reports of Gretzky Deal Untrue, Negotiations Haven’t Begun

Owner Bruce McNall of the Kings said Thursday that he has not yet begun contract negotiations with recently acquired Wayne Gretzky and does not expect to do so before next week.

It was reported Wednesday in the London (Canada) Free Press that Gretzky is asking for a 4-year deal that would pay him $2 million a year and that McNall agreed to give the National Hockey League’s eight-time most valuable player a percentage of gate receipts and a share in ownership of the team.

Other news reports have said that Gretzky may receive a $5-million payment from the Kings.

“There’s no chance at all of any of that happening,” McNall said.

McNall said that NHL bylaws prevent players from owning interests in teams and that Gretzky’s share of gate receipts will be reflected in his base salary but would not be tied to specific attendance figures.

“Those people are just trying to find things to write about,” McNall said of the report.

Dave Taylor, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Kings, has agreed to a guaranteed contract that reportedly will pay him $2.8 million over the next four years.

Taylor, 32, will begin his 12th season with the Kings second on their all-time list in goals scored, assists, points and games played.