It follows a number of deals which have seen players agree multi-million dollar contracts. Eric Lindros has the potential to generate $36m (B39.08m) over four years, while Jaromir Jagr commands a cool $20.7m (B22.47m) for two seasons loyalty.
Said Vancouver Canucks general manager, Brian Burke: “I am shocked and embarrassed by some of the unrestricted free-agent deals this summer.
“It’s only about six teams spending out of control. Maybe some can afford it, but the ones who can’t are taking a business that already has serious problems and making it worse.”
Added Florida Panthers president Bill Torrey: “You know how the NFL is doing it? It’s with TV money. But we don’t come close to that. What are we going to do? Charge $200 (B217.11) a ticket?”
But player agent Bob Murray has hit back. He said: “The people who own these teams are not stupid. They didn’t get to the business position they are in by being dumb. If they are willing to pay these salaries, there are financial reasons why.”
An NHL player agent has dismissed claims clubs are spending too much to attract the star names - despite mounting fears wage bills at some teams are spiralling out of control.
