The Vancouver Sun reports that Hall of Famer Mark Messier has been awarded a $6 million settlement in a grievance over money he claimed he was owed by the Vancouver Canucks.
According to the newspaper, a decision was reached recently by New York-based arbitrator George Nicolau after meeting with both sides earlier this year.
"Canucks Sports & Entertainment is aware of the arbitrator's decision and will have no further comment on the matter," the Canucks said in a statement to The Vancouver Sun.
Messier signed a five-year, $30 million contract with the Canucks in 1997. According to The Sun, the dispute between Messier and the Canucks was regarding deferred money he felt was owed to him and the newspaper added that Messier had a clause in his contract that would compensate him if the franchise's value increased over the life of his contract.
Messier was signed by then-owner John McCaw, who later sold 50 percent of the Canucks and their arena for $150 million to Aquilini Investment Group. In 2006, the Aquilinis bought the other 50 percent for another $150 million.
Messier played three seasons with the Canucks and the club exercised an option in the contract to buy him out after the 1999-2000 season. Messier returned to the New York Rangers and played four more seasons before retiring.
Files from The Vancouver Sun were used for this report.
