Wondering Out of Crease

After a week of training camp, there has been no progress in the Mighty Ducks’ attempts to re-sign left winger Paul Kariya, and goaltender and fellow all-star Guy Hebert asked Tuesday, “What’s the holdup?”

“I know it’s a slow process,” Hebert said. “You wonder why it takes so long [to sign a player]. I know I went through the same thing this summer [waiting for a new two-year, $5-million deal].

“I thought everyone [in Duck management] was putting their time into signing Paul.”

Of Kariya’s continued absence, Hebert said:

“I don’t know what’s going on with either side, but for a player sitting in our locker room right now and not seeing our captain and best player, it’s pretty disheartening.”

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Espen Knutsen’s stay with the “B” team was short-lived. He rejoined the “A” team after one practice with the second unit and is expected to play in tonight’s exhibition against the Vancouver Canucks at the Pond. Coach Pierre Page will move Knutsen into Kariya’s position at left wing on the top line with Steve Rucchin and Teemu Selanne.