Prospective Coyotes co-Owner Wayne Gretzky and his
agent, IMG's Mike Barnett, have "parted company" after 21
years, according to Al Strachan of the TORONTO SUN. Barnett
"had been expected" to accept a front office position with
the Coyotes once Gretzky's group finalized a deal. But he
is now "unavailable" due to a split that "was forced by
pressure from a number of sources," especially the NHLPA,
which "was concerned about Barnett straddling the fence and
representing both owners and players." Gretzky said that he
"is especially concerned" about the decision to part because
their "relationship went beyond the standard player-agent
arrangement." Gretzky, on Barnett: "Every two weeks he
brings me stuff to sign for charities and hospitals and
stuff like that. Now, we don't know what he can do for me
and what he can't do. We're kind of in disarray at this
point. It's crazy because I still don't own the team.
That's what I don't understand. That's what the league and
the PA wanted. They wanted this decision and unfortunately,
I have to suffer the consequences" (TOR. SUN, 10/19).
Barnett: "I told Wayne that I enjoy what I'm doing and don't
want to give it up." Gretzky and Barnett will wait until
after Gretzky takes over the Coyotes "before speaking with
the NHL and NHLPA, regarding if and how their professional
relationship could continue" (USA TODAY, 10/19).
OWEN NOLAN DEAL AN ISSUE: In Vancouver, Tony Gallagher
reports that Barnett had been receiving criticism for his
handling of Owen Nolan's re-signing with the Sharks. Nolan
signed a five-year, $30M deal, but agents "who would be keen
to snap up some of Barnett's clients had he left IMG were
trying to suggest it was a pro management contract." But
there is a clause in Nolan's deal whereby if there is a
lockout in 2004, a sixth year at nearly $7M "automatically
kicks in at the player's option" (Van. PROVINCE, 10/19).
