thestar.com

Ironically, [Harold Ballard] could end up paying [Ken Yaremchuk] and Dupont more than he was willing to give [Gary Nylund]. Both players are reportedly earning in the $100,000-$120,000 range, in U.S. funds, with Dupont receiving slightly more than Yaremchuk.

"I think we might have been the victim of the publicity surrounding Nylund and [Ed Olzyck]," said assistant Leaf GM Gord Stellick. "Management, the media and the fans have been critical of Nylund, but Olzyck was a 'god' in Chicago. But, in last spring's playoffs Nylund came on and played strong hockey for us, while Eddie O. couldn't be found."

Yaremchuk, a 5-foot-11, 185-pounder, was selected seventh over- all in the 1982 draft, four places behind Nylund, his teammates with the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League. Unlike Nylund, he was returned to Portland to gain more experience and has been in the NHL for only three seasons. In 78 games last year he had 14 goals and 20 assists.