Fedorov Shows Interest in Kings

Sergei Fedorov, the Detroit Red Wings’ leading scorer last season and an unrestricted free agent as of 9 p.m. Monday, has listed the Kings among the top two or three teams he’d like to play for next season, his agent said Tuesday.

“L.A.’s right up there,” Pat Brisson said. “It all depends what level of interest L.A. would have for a superstar. It could be a very unique match.”

The Kings declined comment, but club President Tim Leiweke has said repeatedly that the team will not pursue big-ticket free agents, especially with the economic landscape of the NHL expected to change dramatically when the collective bargaining agreement between owners and players expires in September 2004.

Meanwhile, negotiations between the Kings and Luc Robitaille have stalled over contract incentives, said Brisson, who also represents Robitaille. The agent said the sides are “in the same ballpark” regarding a base salary, “but Luc wants to be incentivized the right way. He wants his upside to be protected.”

Still, he added, Robitaille “would like to make it work here.”

So, apparently, would Fedorov. One of the league’s most dynamic players and top two-way forwards, the electrifying center has played his entire 13-season NHL career in Detroit since defecting from the former Soviet Union in 1990, helping the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup championships.

Last season, while Fedorov was contributing 36 goals and 47 assists in 80 games, the Red Wings offered him a five-year, $50-million contract. They later reduced their offer to $40 million over four years, then withdrew it last month after General Manager Ken Holland said it provoked little discussion.

Holland said Tuesday in Detroit that the Red Wings are still interested in signing Fedorov, who will turn 34 on Dec. 13, but Brisson indicated that Anna Kournikova’s former husband might be ready to move on.

“Sometimes you need a new challenge in life,” the agent said, “and Sergei, the way he’s been treated there lately, he’s questioning their priorities and he might be willing to make a change.”

Brisson said that Fedorov would be a great fit with the Kings, perhaps supplying the difference between reaching the playoffs and making a strong playoff run.

“A superstar can’t do everything by himself,” he said, “but if he’s surrounded by the right talent it could be very special.”