Ducks, Flames Apparently Not Yet on the Same Page

The Mighty Ducks and Calgary Flames finally began dickering Monday, but accomplished nothing that would enable Pierre Page to become Anaheim’s new coach.

Duck General Manager Jack Ferreira wouldn’t say precisely what Calgary General Manager Al Coates wants as compensation for hiring Page. Nor would Ferreira outline his counterproposal to Coates.

“They don’t like my offer and I don’t like theirs,” Ferreira said. “They want too much for a guy who’s going to be a free agent on Oct. 1.”

The Flames could wind up with nothing. But in that case, the Ducks would not be hiring Page until three days before their season opener Oct. 4 against the Vancouver Canucks in Tokyo.

When Page quit June 18 with a season left on a three-year contract, Coates accepted his resignation with the condition that other Pacific Division teams give the Flames compensation for hiring Page. That agreement expires Oct. 1.

Ferreira is willing to wait, although he would like to hire Page as a consultant so he can participate in training camp in September.

“First, I’m going to make sure what we’re allowed to do,” Ferreira said. “I want to get it all cleared up with the league.”

Coates, who was unavailable for comment Monday, told a Calgary reporter he’s upset that Page spoke with Duck President Tony Tavares before the Flames held a workout at Disney Ice in Anaheim last season.

Tavares said he engaged Page in casual conversation, but Coates apparently believes he could press tampering charges against the Ducks.

“That’s farfetched,” Ferreira said. “I think he’s just trying to hold us up.”

It is believed that Coates wants a Duck prospect and a high draft pick.

“If they’re not willing to budge with what they want, then we’re nowhere,” Ferreira said. “Then we’re just waiting until Oct. 1.”

Meanwhile, Ferreira is still waiting to hear from Paul Kariya’s agent after making an initial five-year, $25-million contract offer.