Leafs not giving up on Khristich deal

By TIM WHARNSBY -- Toronto Sun Dmitri Khristich has spurned the Maple Leafs' advances but there still is hope a relationship can develop.
Even though the 1999-2000 season has entered its third week, Khristich remains content to sit on the sidelines and hold out for a scorer's ransom.
According to Edmonton Oilers general manager Glen Sather, the Leafs offered the free agent a $2.2-million US salary. In fact, it is believed Toronto was willing to ante up a three-year deal worth $2.25 million US a season.
Khristich and his agent Larry Kelly spurned the offer.
"I can't confirm or deny that," Leafs executive Bill Watters said. "But I can say we have exchanged numbers."
Watters and Kelly talked again yesterday and it is believed a contract eventually will be struck between the two sides. But the Blackhawks also are in the race to gain Khristich's services.
"All is quiet on the western front," Watters said last night. "But reports that a deal is dead with Khristich are greatly exaggerated."
Khristich, 30, was awarded a $2.8-million US salary in his arbitration case with Boston last August, but the Bruins exercised their right to walk away from the deal.
The Bruins have a right to match any offer of under $2.4 million from another team.
Khristich can play the wing or centre. He scored 29 goals in each of the past two seasons with the Bruins.
Leafs centre Yanic Perreault played briefly on the same line with Khristich when the two were with the Los Angeles Kings.
"He has some very good skills," Perreault said. "He is very strong with the puck and he protects the puck very well."
Oilers restricted free agent Bill Guerin has the ability to score goals. But he likely won't be playing for the Maple Leafs even though Sather is shopping around the power forward.
Guerin is demanding a $3.5-million US salary and that is way out of the Leafs' price range.

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