Disney Gives Team Bigger Allowance

Money, at the moment, doesn’t seem to be a concern to Disney officials, at least where their sports teams are concerned.

The Mighty Ducks moved to shore up their roster Wednesday, acquiring All-Star defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh from Florida for center Matt Cullen and defenseman Pavel Trnka. General Manager Bryan Murray received permission from Disney officials to increase the team’s payroll, already at a franchise-high $40 million, by $3.25 million.

“That’s great commitment by ownership,” Murray said. “To bring in an All-Star, a quality player, shows that this organization wants to get better, be better immediately. Disney stepped up and allowed me to do this to try to make us better.”

Ozolinsh is in the third year of a five-year, $25-million contract he signed while a member of the Carolina Hurricanes. He will make $5.5 million this season and each of the next two seasons. Lance Ward, also acquired in the deal, will make $425,000 this season, with the Ducks holding a $600,000 option for next season.

Cullen is in the first year of a two-year, $3.25-million contract. Trnka is in the first year of a two-year, $1.9-million contract.

Disney officials allowed the Angels to increase payroll last winter. Both teams have been up for sale for more than two years.

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Ozolinsh, who was selected to play in Sunday’s All-Star game, will remain on the East team’s roster, NHL officials said.

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Left wing Mike Leclerc was a late scratch for Thursday night’s game against San Jose. Leclerc played Wednesday against Ottawa after sitting out the previous 10 games because of a sore left knee.