June 29, 2000
By Andrea Lanthier and Andrew Seymour
The Ottawa Sun
Prominent Sens supporters applauded an arbitrator's decision to uphold the final year of superstar centre Alexei Yashin's contract yesterday.
"I'm sure there's going to be a lot of smiles on a lot of fans faces today," said Kanata Mayor Merle Nicholds.
After sitting out the entire season because the team wouldn't yield to his contract demands, Yashin learned yesterday he will not be allowed to become a free agent July 1.
Instead, Yashin owes the Senators another year at his $3.6 million salary.
Ottawa businessman Len Potechin – the fan who initiated a class action lawsuit against Yashin – said he was proud of Senators owner Rod Bryden for holding out in his fight with the discontented Russian sniper.
Potechin praised the decision, adding it will have a major impact in the sports world.
"This should have happened a long time ago," he said.
"All the times pro athletes and teams have walked away from contracts – they won't be able to do it anymore. Now there's something to hold onto," Potechin said.
Former Sens captain-turned restauranteur Brad Marsh said he was surprised when he heard the league had ruled against Yashin.
"They kept a lid on it until the very end and for that reason, everyone thought Alexei was going to win," Marsh said.
"It's great news for sports fans. It sets ground rules for contracts that they're good until they're over," he said."
Regional chair Bob Chiarelli said the decision was great news for Ottawa hockey fans who were faced with an unfortunate situation when the team's highest scorer wouldn't report.
"It strikes a blow against greedy hockey players who are not prepared to honour their contracts," he said.
NHL Fans' Association co-founder Jim Boone agreed the decision was happy news for the capital's cash-strapped ticket holders.
"The fans are always the lowest guy on the totem pole," he said. "It's a great day and a great ruling."
Boone said he hopes the Sens now ship Yashin off to an expansion team for a collection of first round draft picks and money, securing the Sens future while keeping Yashin from winning a Stanley Cup.
In the meantime, Potechin said he knows what he wants to see from Yashin.
"I want to hear him say he made a mistake and say ... 'I apologize' and put the thing to bed," he said.
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