Now that Mario Lemieux is the majority owner of the Penguins, pending today’s expected court certification, the retired six-time NHL scoring champ would be his own best asset for re-filling the Igloo and turning around the fortunes of his team.
And the 33-year-old did not specify cancer as a reason not to return to the NHL, which he left two scant seasons ago as the two-time defending Art Ross (scoring) Trophy winner.
“I don’t think it’s allowed,” Lemieux told The Post.
When it was suggested that he probably need only ask for any necessary waiver, he smiled, patted his stomach and said, “No, my belly’s too big.”
Lemieux must have the finest tailor in the world, because he looked downright svelte and fit after his purchase of the Penguins out of bankruptcy was confirmed by the NHL Board of Governors yesterday at the midtown St. Regis Hotel.
Lemieux stood to lose much of some $27 million in deferred salary to bankruptcy, and instead, became the majority owner of the team by foregoing some $7 million of that figure, converting the rest into purchasing power and putting up $5 million more, while obtaining some $50 million from investors.
Another $10-15 million in funding remains to be obtained, but Lemieux has acquired the team at the bargain – these days – price of $85 million, comparable to the price tag for an expansion team. If he can’t make a go of it in Pittsburgh, he’ll have a shot at getting back much of his deferred salary through a sale.
Lemieux had to work out deals with SMG, who runs the Igloo, and Fox, as well as satisfy the court that his group is viable.
“This is a dream come true after 10 months,” Lemieux said. “Bankruptcy is a very difficult process. I had no idea. There were a lot of moving targets on a daily basis.”
Lemieux said he will leave the hockey operation to GM Craig Patrick, and concentrate on assembling a business side that will make the team viable. He said a new arena is imperative, although it is not his first concern.
Lemieux’s last contract, $42 million over seven years, was bigger than the Penguins could manage, and someday, he’ll be in the position of having to tell players like Jaromir Jagr that they can’t expect deals like he received.
“It has to be that way,” Lemieux said. “We’ll pay what we can afford.”
Right now, the Pens are at an impasse with defenseman Darius Kasparaitis.
Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease in 1993, and missed most of that 1993-94 season, undergoing radiation treatment, and sat out the lockout season of 1995.
He returned to win the scoring title with 69 goals and 161 points in 1995-96, and retired after leading the league with 122 points in 1996-97. He scored 613 goals and 1494 points in 745 career games, winning two Stanley Cups and three Hart Trophies as NHL MVP.