Thunder brings in star Nedved

Tim Graham

Friday, March 27, 1998 | 9:03 a.m.

The Las Vegas Thunder created a stir when it signed Alexei Yashin in 1994.

The IHL team caught the hockey world's attention again when it welcomed Curtis Joseph the following year.

Those NHL all-stars are considered the most monumental acquisitions in the franchise's five-year history.

But that could change today. The Thunder is on the verge of obtaining another NHL veteran. And although he never has made an all-star roster, his presence in Las Vegas could mean the difference between the Turner Cup and first-round playoff elimination.

The agent for prolific Pittsburgh Penguins scorer Petr Nedved has agreed in principle to have his client play the remainder of this season with the Thunder. A contract was faxed to Nedved's home in Prague where it awaits his signature.

Nedved, a restricted free agent, is in the midst of a contract holdout with the Penguins.

"Nedved is a world-class player," said Thunder general manager Bob Strumm, who added Nedved to the team's playoff roster Thursday. "He's certainly in the class of being among the best to ever play in this league if he pulls the uniform on."

Added head coach Clint Malarchuk: "It would make the difference between trying to squeak through the first round and going in guns blazing to win the Turner Cup. He would make us a legitimate contender."

If Nedved signs, he will not be in uniform for tonight's 7:05 game against the Detroit Vipers at the Thomas & Mack Center. But he could be ready for the four-quarter rematch (the teams will play a pair of experimental four-quarter games this weekend) Saturday at 4:05 p.m.

"We have plans for him to fly to Las Vegas (today)," Strumm said. "But the timing of it is going to be close."

Nedved, 26, was the second overall selection by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1990 NHL draft. He also played for the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers before blossoming in Pittsburgh, where he scored 78 goals over two seasons.

His finest campaign came in 1995-96, when he recorded 45 goals, 54 assists and 68 penalty minutes. In the Stanley Cup playoffs that season he added 10 goals and 10 assists in 18 games.

In addition to his offensive prowess, Nedved would fit into the Thunder's late-season push to increase its bulk. He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 195 pounds.

If Nedved does sign, his presence would mean more to the Thunder than Yashin or Joseph, who came to Las Vegas seeking asylum during contract disputes. Yashin played 24 games (15 goals, 20 assists) before returning to the Ottawa Senators. Joseph played 15 games (12-2-1, 1.99 GAA) before the Blues traded him to the Edmonton Oilers.

Nedved, however, would be in Las Vegas when it matters most: the postseason.

"Certainly this isn't a stopover," Strumm said. "This is a commitment for the rest of the season."

The Northeast Division-leading Penguins still could sign Nedved for their remaining 12 games, but he would not be eligible for the postseason, making his return to Pittsburgh unlikely.

"It would be foolish just to sign him for the rest of the regular season," Pittsburgh general manager Craig Patrick told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "So once we get finished with the playoffs, we'll deal with it."

Contract talks between the Penguins and Nedved's agent, Tony Kondel, were tenuous before the season started and deteriorated from there.

Kondel originally sought a five-year deal for $18.5 million, which the Penguins rejected. Four months ago, Kondel proposed a two-year deal worth $6 million. The team did not respond.

The salary demands reportedly were the reason Pittsburgh was unable to move Nedved before the NHL's Tuesday trade deadline.

Thunderbolts

* MORE MOVES: The Thunder traded right wing Jamie Linden to Grand Rapids for future considerations on Thursday. Linden had a goal and an assist with 62 penalty minutes in 28 games. ... Las Vegas also changed its mind on defenseman Rodrigo Lavinsh. Instead of sending him to Tacoma of the West Coast Hockey League, the Thunder decided to retain his services. Lavinsh will be in uniform for tonight's 7:05 game against the Detroit Vipers. ... In addition to Petr Nedved, the Thunder added another new name to its playoff roster: Eric Ricard. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound defenseman from New Mexico of the Western Professional Hockey League recorded 16 goals and 62 assists in 69 games. Ricard's availability is limited as New Mexico has qualified for the WPHL playoffs.

* PLAYING QUARTERS: Thunder GM Bob Strumm is not concerned that the experimental four-quarter games against the Vipers this weekend will throw his team off. "I don't think it's going to affect our game as we try to get ready for the playoffs," Strumm said. "They're not impact games that are going to affect our spot in the standings."