Steve Larmer is heading for a salary-arbitration hearing, probably at the end of next week, that could make him the second highest-paid Blackhawk after Chris Chelios.
That`s if his agent, Larry Kelly, can convince the arbitrator Larmer is worth $800,000 a year, which would be second in Chicago to Chelios` deal of between $900,000 and $1 million a year.
Larmer, in his option year, is sorely underpaid now at $265,000 a year. Compare that to other right wings, such as Philadelphia`s Rick Tocchet just signing for a deal that progresses from $800,000 to over $1 million in the fourth year of the contract, and Boston`s Cam Neely, starting at $750,000 and ending at $1 million in his fourth year.
More Top Picks Sand Landscapes
”Tocchet has played six years to Larmer`s eight and averaged 60 points to Larmer`s 85,” Kelly said, reading from charts he has prepared for the hearing.
”Stephane Richer makes $750,000 a year in Montreal. He`s averaged 33.25 goals in his five years to Larmer`s 37.2 goals. Cam Neely`s statistics aren`t as good as Larmer`s, either. Larmer`s worth $800,000, don`t you think?”
Kelly believes it`s significant that Larmer was voted club MVP by his teammates the last two seasons. ”The Hawks have to quit paying lip service to his leadership qualities and compensate him with the right salary.”
From secret files: Since the Hawks don`t announce signings, they haven`t revealed that center Adam Creighton recently signed a two-year contract that will pay him $300,000 the first year and $325,000 the next.