Ducks, Leclerc Agree to Terms

The Mighty Ducks agreed to terms Friday with restricted free agent Mike Leclerc, avoiding arbitration.

Leclerc, who had 15 goals and 35 points last season, signed a two-year contract worth $800,000 this season and $900,000 in 2002-2003. His arbitration was scheduled for Aug. 1.

“I’m just happy to get it over with,” Leclerc said. “I have heard nothing but nightmares about arbitration.”

The Ducks hope Leclerc, a 6-foot-2, 204-pound left wing, can be a force in front of the net. He has shown that ability in flashes the last two seasons, but has been slowed by injuries. He sat out 15 games last season after undergoing knee surgery and 13 more games because of a strained stomach muscle.

He sat out 11 games in the 1999-2000 season after undergoing elbow surgery.

“Mike had a breakthrough year last year, where he showed what he can do,” Duck General Manager Pierre Gauthier said. “We missed him when he got hurt.”