Gretzky Not a Priority for Ducks

The Mighty Ducks on Tuesday put a damper on rumors linking them to Wayne Gretzky by indicating the NHL’s all-time leading scorer would have to take a substantial cut from the $6.5 million he earned last season before they could justify making him an offer. The drop they have in mind would be so steep, they doubt that Gretzky, an unrestricted free agent for the first time, would accept it.

“We have had no discussions with anyone representing Wayne Gretzky. And in all likelihood, the difference between the amount of money we would be willing to pay and what he might be willing to accept is probably too big a gap, a gap that can’t be bridged,” said Tony Tavares, Duck president.

“That doesn’t mean we think Wayne Gretzky isn’t worth X amount of dollars. It’s that in our circumstances, the amount we’d be willing to pay doesn’t match what he might be looking for.”

Tavares wouldn’t specify a range the Ducks would pay the former King. But it’s unlikely they would offer more than they’re paying young stars Paul Kariya (who earned $2.272 million last season) and Teemu Selanne, who will earn $2.85 million next season. Elevating Gretzky, 35, above them might lead them to request raises, which would create an inflationary spiral.

Also, with regular sellouts at the Pond and lucrative merchandising revenues, the Ducks don’t need Gretzky to boost ticket or souvenir sales. Their sole unexplored revenue source is home playoff games, which can bring teams more than $1 million a game.

Tavares also said the Ducks have talked to unrestricted free agent Bernie Nicholls, who is eager to play in Anaheim. “Nothing definitive, more an expression of interest,” Tavares said. Gretzky and Nicholls are represented by Mike Barnett, who did not return calls.

Meanwhile, King General Manager Sam McMaster confirmed the team’s pursuit of right wing Pat Verbeek, an unrestricted free agent right wing. The sides spoke Monday and Tuesday and will talk again today. The New York Ranger is believed to be seeking at least a three-year, $9 million deal.