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Breaking the bank Arbitrator awards Demitra near-record payoutPosted: Monday August 04, 2003 7:22 PMUpdated: Monday August 04, 2003 8:29 PM TORONTO (AP) -- St. Louis Blues star forward Pavol Demitra was awarded the second-largest NHL arbitration payout Monday and will earn $6.5 million next season. The contract ranks just behind the $7 million John LeClair of the Philadelphia Flyers received in an arbitration ruling in 2000. Demitra earned $3.975 million last year. He lead the Blues in scoring with 93 points, including 36 goals, in 78 games, finishing sixth overall in the NHL. Demitra's arbitration hearing, the first of this year's two-week period, was held Friday. If the Blues -- who are looking to reduce their payroll -- feel Demitra's award is too steep, they have the option of walking away from the decision and making him an unrestricted free agent. St. Louis has 72 hours to accept or reject the arbitrator's ruling.
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