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Tuesday, October 5, 1999
Reichel still holding out hope
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (CP) -- Hoping to return to the NHL at some point this season, restricted free agent Robert Reichel quit playing with a professional team in his native Czech Republic on Monday in order to retain his eligibility in North America.But if Reichel doesn't come down from his salary demand of $3.5 million a season, it's a moot point, according to Coyotes general manager Bobby Smith.
"If he stays at that number, there won't be a trade and there won't be a signing this year," Smith told the Arizona Republic. "I said early on we'd entertain all reasonable trade offers for Robert Reichel. I've talked to a couple of teams, and I think a couple have talked to his agent, but I'm not the only guy in the league who thinks $3.5 million is out of line for this player."
Smith has already declared that the centre won't play for Phoenix this season, but he didn't rule out the possibility of coming to terms with Reichel, 28, in time for next season.
Reichel's agent ruled it out, though.
"Not a chance," said Paul Kraus, when asked if a deal could be reached at some point for Reichel to remain with the Coyotes. "What, (Smith) is going to torture him for a year, screw around with him for a year, and then we'll come back and kiss and make up? That's not how things work."
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