Hextall Avoids Arbiter

Ron Hextall, who had the NHL’s best goals-against average last season, agreed to a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, avoiding an arbitration hearing.

Details of the multiyear contract were not released, but agent Steve Mountain has said Hextall was seeking at least $2.7 million a season.

He made $940,000 last season, the option year of his contract. To retain his rights, the Flyers had made several offers, most recently a three-year deal worth $4.5 million.

The frenzy surrounding the future of Blackhawks star center Jeremy Roenick has whipped up another marquee name: Brett Hull.

The St. Louis Blues approached the Hawks with a deal that included Hull, sources said.

Blues General Manager and coach Mike Keenan, who held both titles in Chicago and led the team to the 1992 Stanley Cup finals, covets Roenick and has traded barbs with Hull for most of the last two seasons.

Assistant GM Bob Murray denied the Hawks have talked about a deal involving Hull, but he said he has heard from Keenan.

Goaltender Bill Ranford will make $1.75 million next season, down from about $2.1 million, following an arbitrator’s ruling in favor of the Boston Bruins. Ranford requested $2.75 million for the 1996-97 season, with the Bruins offering $1.75 million.

Defenseman Ruslan Salei, the ninth player selected in the NHL Entry Draft in June, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, the team said. No further terms were announced.

The International Hockey League and the union representing its players reached a deal Thursday that ensures labor peace until the 2001-2002 season. The previous pact expired May 31.