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Sunday, October 3, 1999
Sens should let Yash sit
Let's face it, this dispute is not just about money, it's about values and ethics.
When the Senators signed Yashin to his contract they did so in good faith. They believed he would fulfil his contract despite comments made by him during his last holdout during the 1995-96 season. Maybe that's where they went wrong.
During his last contract squabble Yashin said: "In my eyes it's impossible (to play for Ottawa again), they should try to get a trade for some good players. It would help them and it would help me.
"We don't want a new contract with Ottawa. We just want to go to another team and get a new contract there."
Looking back on those words makes you wonder if Yashin has ever been happy playing in Ottawa.
Let's not forget that Yashin and his agent, Mark Gandler, were happy once they signed their last deal so why the change of heart? Maybe because Yashin has lost his.
Maybe the desire to play elsewhere has always been in the back of his mind and he was just waiting for an opportunity to get out.
And what better time than after leading your team in scoring for the fifth consecutive season and being a runner-up for the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player?
After his last stalemate came to an end, after 117 days, Gandler was quoted saying: "We don't want to ever do this again."
Someone should remind the two of their comments.
A contract is a binding agreement between two people, but obviously Yashin and Gandler don't live by the same principles. If the Senators were to come to an agreement on a new contract, would they ever really be able to trust that Yashin wouldn't pull the same stunt again and again?
If his track record is any indication, the Senators might be better off without him.
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