An excerpt from the Minnesota Star-Tribune (Michael Russo):
On Monday, Stephane Veilleux said it would be “a couple days before I’m going to be back with the Minnesota Wild.”
Well, a couple of days have passed, and by 11 a.m. today, Veilleux could be property of another team.
In a surprise strategical move, the Wild placed the fifth-year left wing on waivers Wednesday in an attempt to resolve a contract dispute with the restricted free agent.
“I talked to [GM Doug Risebrough Wednesday morning], he offered me a contract, and he warned me with the waiver situation,” Veilleux said. “I was well aware about it. I still turned down the offer and now I’m on waivers.
“It’s still a big disappointment. It’s a shock. I wouldn’t think that we have to go this far.”
According to assistant GM Tom Lynn, the two sides are far apart on a contract. Veilleux wants to work out a long-term deal with the Wild, but he wants a significant pay hike from last year’s $595,000 salary because he can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
“We are far apart in our evaluation and Steph really believes in a higher number,” Lynn said. “So here’s a way of figuring out who’s right: ‘If you’re right, you’ll be taken off waivers and paid your X dollars by another team.’
Veilleux, 26, a gritty, heart-and-soul checker, wouldn’t divulge what he’s seeking or what players he’s using as a comparable (Wild free agent Aaron Voros just signed a three-year, $3 million deal with the Rangers). After firing his agent, Veilleux is representing himself in negotiations and doesn’t regret that decision.
Habster:
Stephane Veilleux only had 18 points (G-11 A-7) in 77 games and was a surprising -13 playing within a Jacques Lemaire “defense first” type of system.
If Veilleux thinks he is worth much more than $1 million, then he will have a hard time finding any team that will be willing to claim him off waivers and make him an offer.
Would the Canadiens be interested in claiming the Quebec native? They probably would be interested but definitely not at +$1 million per season. There is also the Sundin waiting game situation which is still in a holding pattern for the time being.