Thunder still has not signed Malarchuk

The Las Vegas Thunder still needs a coach.

When the Thunder finished its worst season in franchise history nearly a month ago, the contract of head coach and assistant general manager Clint Malarchuk expired.

Malarchuk, who took over in March when Chris McSorley resigned under pressure, maintains his Thunder office and continues to work with general manager Bob Strumm on the team's day-to-day activities.

But it is not certain Malarchuk will return next season. Thunder part-owner Ken Stickney made him a contract offer earlier this month, but no agreement has been reached yet.

"Bob Strumm and I sat down and talked about everything in depth so far as to even agreeing on some numbers," Malarchuk said. "That's an indication I'm pretty darn close to signing it."

If Malarchuk is not signed, the Thunder would be without his services for the first time in its history. The "Cowboy Goalie" played on Las Vegas' inaugural squad in 1993-94 and has been with team -- either on the ice or in the front office -- ever since.

"I think we're close," Stickney said. "I've got a copy of a deal in front of me that I need to review from a financial standpoint that looks good. Now, it's not signed by Clint, but I think it's something we can do."

Both sides are preparing for the alternative -- just in case.

Strumm has composed a short list of possible replacements, although he is quick to mention he intends to not use it.

Meanwhile, Malarchuk has discussed head coaching vacancies with the Colorado Gold Kings and Idaho Steelheads of the West Coast Hockey League. He visited Colorado Springs last week and Boise on Tuesday.

"I was never a free agent as a player," said Malarchuk, a veteran of 10 NHL seasons. "This is something unique to me. Any time you get offers, you're flattered and you just check them out. That's where I'm at right now. It's a good situation."

Malarchuk is exploring his options with Stickney's blessing.

"I'm always comfortable with that," Stickney said. "Clint's contract ran out at the end of last year and he's looking into what's best for him and his family. It's a natural thing to do.

"But Clint's heart is in Las Vegas, and he'll be our coach next year."

Less of the lease

Most of those concerned with the Thunder's future frequently point to the one year remaining on the team's lease with the Thomas & Mack Center. They claim that agreement virtually guarantees the Thunder's return next season.

Not so.

Although the Thunder insists it will return next season, T&M director Pat Christensen noted the arena would not force the team to pay for its final year if it did not play there.

"I've talked to them and I fully understand the situation they are in," Christensen said. "Economically, if they do not wish to play here next year, I told them we would do whatever we can to accommodate them. I don't feel that penalizing them is the way to go."

But Christensen countered reports suggesting the T&M is trying to force the Thunder out to give UNLV's basketball team more practice access.

"We're looking forward to having the Thunder back here next season," he said. "I'm hoping it works out next year and they have bigger and stronger attendance."

Lefebvre still here

Stickney still views his relationship with disgruntled winger Patrice Lefebvre as positive. The two have feuded for some time, but the war of words escalated when the Thunder's season ended in April and Lefebvre asked to be let out of the remaining two years of his contract to play in Europe next season.

The Thunder originally tried to deal the IHL's reigning scoring champion, but since has decided to try to work things out.

"He certainly won't be in Europe and this is the only place in the IHL I can picture him being," Stickney said.

Lefebvre declined comment on his future status, citing his dissatisfaction with a Sun story that outlined his troubles with team management.

Lefebvre, who turns 31 next month, attained team records in points (116) and assists (89) this season.

Stickney also claimed the Thunder has a standing offer for left wing Ken Quinney. The team's all-time leading goal scorer, whose contract ran out this season, also stated his intention to play in Europe next season.

"We offered Ken a three-year contract at significant money, a quarter of a million dollars," Stickney said. "That offer is still on the table."

Quinney, 33, led the Thunder with 34 goals this season.

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