Page Speaks Out on Kariya Stalemate

After weeks of hopeful neutrality, Coach Pierre Page finally expressed his simmering anger over the contract standoff between management and Paul Kariya. The Ducks say they have made two offers to Kariya, a restricted free agent, but have not received a counteroffer from agent Don Baizley.

“For the game’s sake, for the fans’ sake and for the sponsors’ sake, they should be talking,” Page said. “They had four months [during the off-season] to work out a new deal. They should be talking. Why aren’t they talking? From what I hear it’s because the [NHL] Players’ Assn. wants him to wait.

“I came here looking forward to coaching the guy. But I think my fear is that Paul and the players’ association are waiting for players [such as Philadelphia’s Eric Lindros] who are playing now [but seeking lucrative, long-term extensions] to set a new market standard.”

Page’s opinion is widely shared by players, including Guy Hebert and Teemu Selanne of the Ducks, and management. Once Lindros signs an extension, then Kariya and a number of other unsigned free agents will sign new deals--or so the theory goes.

Page also believes Baizley has been directed by union chief Bob Goodenow, whom Page says should be the league’s “coach of the year.”

“He’s Goodenow’s new right-hand man,” Page said of Baizley, who also represents Colorado’s Peter Forsberg, Jari Kurri and Joe Sakic. “I have a good source who tells me that.”

Baizley, sticking to his vow of silence until Kariya is signed, would not comment on Page’s charges.

Page also said he’s concerned Kariya might miss the 1997-98 season while waiting for Lindros to receive his extension.

“Paul’s a very confident guy,” Page said. “He’s capable of sitting out the year. It’s not easy for a player to do because that’s money they’re going to lose and never recover. It takes a certain type of player to do it.”

It wouldn’t be the first time Kariya missed a professional season because of a contract squabble, however. The Ducks failed to sign Kariya after drafting him in 1993 and he spent the season playing first for the University of Maine and then the Canadian Olympic team.

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Center Steve Rucchin, who has a groin injury, is doubtful for Friday’s game against the Ottawa Senators. . . . Forward Kevin Todd practiced with the team for the first time since he suffered a deep cut above his left eye. He wore a face shield to protect the cut. . . . Rookie goalie Tom Askey was sent to the Ducks’ minor league affiliate in Cincinnati.