Nhl -- Islanders Wheel And Deal -- Claude Lemieux, Clark, Thomas In Three-Way Trade

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Three disgruntled NHL forwards are changing addresses.

When yesterday's trading flurry ended, the Colorado Avalanche had Claude Lemieux, the New York Islanders had Wendel Clark and the New Jersey Devils had Steve Thomas.

"This was a no-lose situation for us," said Islander General Manager Don Maloney.

The Islanders were at the hub of the wheeling and dealing. They first sent Thomas to the Devils for Lemieux, then immediately dispatched Lemieux to Colorado for Clark.

After a lackluster regular season, Lemieux scored 13 postseason goals to lead the Devils to their first NHL championship, and was named postseason MVP in the process. But the 30-year-old angered New Jersey management by challenging the validity of a contract he faxed to the team in the offseason, then failing to report to camp because of the dispute.

Lemieux had been suspended since the opening of training camp nearly three weeks ago, losing $80,916 in salary.

Thomas, a restricted free agent, refused to report to training camp, demanding a new $1.7 million-a-year contract and forcing the Islanders' move.

The Devils immediately signed the Thomas, 32, to a multiyear contract. No terms were announced.

Clark, who turns 29 this month, had 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 37 games last season with the Quebec Nordiques, who in the offseason moved to Colorado.

He contended the Avalanche reneged on a promise to renegotiate his contract, which has one year left.

The Islanders still must sign Clark.

Jets retain Tkachuk

CHICAGO - Keith Tkachuk, considered one of the top power forwards in the league, became one of hockey's three highest-paid players this season when the Winnipeg Jets matched the Chicago Blackhawks' five-year, $17 million offer sheet to keep the left wing.

Tkachuk, 23, who was a restricted free agent, will earn $6 million this season.

Only Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings has a higher base salary ($6.545 million).