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Murray Still Waiting on Comrie Resolution

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Times Staff Writer

Bryan Murray, the Mighty Ducks’ general manager, said he would wait a few days while the Mike Comrie situation plays out in Edmonton.

The Ducks have worked out a trade for Comrie, a 23-year-old forward, but it’s is on hold. Edmonton General Manager Kevin Lowe is demanding an unprecedented $2.5-million payment from Comrie before agreeing to the trade.

“It’s disappointing,” said Murray, who has said the Ducks will not get involved in the squabble. “But there is not much we can do. There are other teams out there trying to move players. But I have to wait for the time being. We like Mike, we have a deal in place. We just have to wait and see.”

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Rich Winter, Comrie’s agent, flew to Phoenix, where the Oilers played the Coyotes on Thursday. He was expected to meet with Lowe to try to solve the situation.

The Ducks play Edmonton on Sunday. Although there is no meeting with Lowe planned, Murray said he would talk with him.

The Ducks agreed to trade prospect Corey Perry and a first-round draft pick to Edmonton for Comrie, who has not played this season because of the contract dispute. He has been skating with players from the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

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Keith Carney, who left practice Thursday with back spasms, sat out Friday while receiving treatment. He said he hoped to play tonight against San Jose.

“Right now, I feel like I can play,” said Carney, the team’s top defenseman. “It would take a setback for me not to play.”

That was good news for the Ducks, who are already without two key players. Forward Rob Niedermayer, with a strained groin, and defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh, with a rib cage injury, will not play against the Sharks tonight or Edmonton on Sunday, Coach Mike Babcock said.

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Colorado’s Paul Kariya will make the three-game trip with the Avalanche but is not expecting to play against the Ducks on Friday. Kariya, out nearly a month since re-injuring his right wrist, told reporters Thursday the injury was healing but he can’t grip a stick with his right hand and doesn’t expect to play until after Christmas.

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TONIGHT

at San Jose, 7:30, FSN2

Site -- HP Pavilion.

Radio -- XPRS (1090).

Records -- Ducks 10-10-4-5; Sharks 9-8-10-2.

Record vs. Sharks -- 2-0.

Update -- The Ducks have won five consecutive games against San Jose, one shy of their record against one team. Martin Gerber, who will start in goal, has a 3-0 record against San Jose. He has given up only four goals in those three games.

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