Disney Gives Team Bigger Allowance

SAN JOSE â€”  Money, at the moment, doesn’t seem to be a concern to Disney officials, at least where their sports teams are concerned.

The Mighty Ducks moved to shore up their roster Wednesday, acquiring All-Star defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh from Florida for center Matt Cullen and defenseman Pavel Trnka. General Manager Bryan Murray received permission from Disney officials to increase the team’s payroll, already at a franchise-high $40 million, by $3.25 million.

“That’s great commitment by ownership,� Murray said. “To bring in an All-Star, a quality player, shows that this organization wants to get better, be better immediately. Disney stepped up and allowed me to do this to try to make us better.�

Ozolinsh is in the third year of a five-year, $25-million contract he signed while a member of the Carolina Hurricanes. He will make $5.5 million this season and each of the next two seasons. Lance Ward, also acquired in the deal, will make $425,000 this season, with the Ducks holding a $600,000 option for next season.

Cullen is in the first year of a two-year, $3.25-million contract. Trnka is in the first year of a two-year, $1.9-million contract.

Disney officials allowed the Angels to increase payroll last winter. Both teams have been up for sale for more than two years.

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Ozolinsh, who was selected to play in Sunday’s All-Star game, will remain on the East team’s roster, NHL officials said.

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Left wing Mike Leclerc was a late scratch for Thursday night’s game against San Jose. Leclerc played Wednesday against Ottawa after sitting out the previous 10 games because of a sore left knee.