Russian left winger takes area tour, could decide by week's end
09:18 PM CDT on Tuesday, July 3, 2007
By MIKE HEIKA / The Dallas Morning News
mheika@dallasnews.com
The Stars are waiting on Slava Kozlov.
The free-agent winger visited key members of the Stars organization Tuesday and toured American Airlines Center and the practice facilities in Frisco. He has the team's offer, although the Stars won't disclose what it is.
Kozlov was seeking a deal for three seasons and in excess of $12 million. Kozlov was scheduled to return to his home in Atlanta on Tuesday night and is expected to mull the offer during the holiday.
The Thrashers also want to sign Kozlov, who has played his last four seasons in Atlanta.
"I think it's a positive thing that he wanted to visit, and I think it's always a positive thing when we're able to show players the city and our facilities," Stars general manager Doug Armstrong said.
Stars center Mike Modano said Kozlov can bring a lot to a team.
"He's talented, he sees the ice well, he plays both ends of the ice," Modano said. "He's not tall, but he's strong for his size. He's a good all-around player."
Morrow has not played as much head-to-head against Kozlov as Modano and said he was surprised by the strength of the 35-year-old left winger, who is listed at 5-10 and 190 pounds.
"He was very muscular, very thick," Morrow said. "He looked in very good shape."
Morrow said he was excited by the fact the team was trying to add another goal-scorer.
"I think anyone who watches us sees that's an area where we could get better," he said. "I look at our team and believe that the other areas are in good shape. If we can improve our offense, I think that would help us be right there. And I think he's a player who can help improve our offense."
Kozlov's agent, Scott Lites, is the brother of Stars president Jim Lites. Scott did not make the trip to Dallas but was in contact with Kozlov throughout the process. He said he didn't want to comment on the negotiations, other than to say that Kozlov would be making a decision "pretty soon."
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Stars deliver pitch to Kozlov
Stars deliver pitch to Kozlov
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