
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 22, 1993                   TAG: 9309220190
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

GRETZKY TOPS IN SALARY WITH NEW DEAL

Wayne Gretzky has agreed to sign a three-year $25.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL, team officials said.

Gretzky, 32, the all-time leading scorer in the NHL, will be paid $8.5 million per season, according to Kings owner Bruce McNall. That is more than double his current $3 million annual salary.

The new three-year deal supersedes his previous 10-year contract signed when he was acquired from Edmonton in August 1988.

"With the contract, Wayne has made a commitment to dedicate the next three years toward bringing the Stanley Cup to the fans of Los Angeles," McNall said.

Team spokesman Scott Carmichael said the deal was finalized Tuesday afternoon, and Gretzky is expected to sign it in the next few days.

Carmichael said Gretzky will be paid $4 million this year, and receive another $4.5 million in a deferred payment at a later date.

The NHL's next highest-paid player is the Pittsburgh Penguins' Mario Lemieux, who receives an average of $6 million per year in a seven-year contract.

McNall said the deal recognizes Gretzky's contribution to the Kings and the sport of hockey.

"Wayne has been a true ambassador for the sport of hockey, not only here in Southern California, but all across North America," McNall said. "It is only fitting that he reap the benefits for such hard work, both on and off the ice."

by CNB