Raycroft looks to net long deal

Since Hannu Toivonen backstopped Providence to the AHL's Eastern Conference finals last season, the buzz around the 21-year-old hasn't quieted. Next month in training camp, the Bruins will give the Finnish hotshot a chance at an NHL job.

But their primary goal is to sign Andrew Raycroft, the 2003-04 NHL Rookie of the Year. Earlier this week, general manager Mike O'Connell met with Jordan Neumann, Raycroft's agent, to discuss the restricted free agent's status.

''I wouldn't characterize it as any substantial progress, but it was a good preliminary talk," Neumann said yesterday of the meeting Tuesday. ''The purpose of the meeting was that we wanted Mike to understand what our position was and what we're trying to accomplish. I think we at least did that."

While the 25-year-old Raycroft will be eligible for arbitration after the 2005-06 season, the sides are considering a multiyear deal. For the last three summers, Raycroft has been in negotiations on one-year deals, and Neumann said the goaltender would enjoy an offseason without contract talks.

''This being the third summer we've been in contract negotiations, Andrew would prefer to go through a period of stability so that next summer we're not right back at it again," Neumann said. ''If the best way is a two- or three-year deal, we've made it clear we're open for that. But if the best is a one-year, we'll do it and do this again next summer."

Neumann said he has been studying recent goalie signings to formulate terms for Raycroft's deal. On Thursday, Vancouver signed Dan Cloutier to a two-year, $5 million contract, and on Tuesday, David Aebischer signed a one-year, $1.9 million contract with Colorado. Last week, Miikka Kiprusoff signed with Calgary for three years at $10 million, and Robert Esche returned to Philadelphia for two years and $2 million.

In 2003-04, Kiprusoff (1.69) and Esche (2.04) had better goals-against numbers than Raycroft (2.05). Raycroft, however, had a higher save percentage (.926) than Esche, Cloutier, and Aebischer, falling short of only Kiprusoff (.933). Raycroft has played only one full NHL season and is the youngest of the five goalies.

Earlier this week, Providence coach Scott Gordon recalled working on a highlight video of Raycroft's Baby B's career. The video appeared boring, as Raycroft seemed to make the same stop over and over again. To Gordon, it spotlighted Raycroft's technical precision.

''Almost every single save looks the same," Gordon said. ''He very rarely looks out of position. He makes it looks easy. On the video, every save was the same, and that's a credit to him. He never got out of position to scramble, dive across, and make a desperation save."

An injury to his left knee last year might have made Toivonen adjust his game to resemble Raycroft's. Before the AHL goalie sustained the injury Feb. 18, 2004, he relied on his athleticism to make saves, according to Gordon. Upon his return, he improved his positioning and became, in Gordon's mind, one of the best goalies in the AHL. In 54 games last season, Toivonen posted a 2.05 GAA and a .932 save percentage.

''At some point, Boston's going to want to know when he's ready and give him a chance," Gordon said. ''Based on who they have, it looks like that's what they're going to do. It's a great opportunity for Hannu and I'm sure he's going to do well."

The Bruins, however, cannot afford to enter training camp with Toivonen, who has no NHL experience, as their No. 1 goalie. The sides still have several weeks to complete a deal for Raycroft before camp kicks off, but Neumann said his client wants to make a deal sooner rather than later.

''Time is not of the essence right now," Neumann said. ''However, for a goalie, more than any other position, it's important a situation like this gets resolved as quickly as possible."

The Bruins announced yesterday that individual tickets for regular-season games will be available starting Sept. 10, with upper balcony seats in the four corners of the TD Banknorth Garden available at $10 (previously $19). Prices for loge seats ($99, $95, and $85) remain the same as 2003-04 rates, except for those located behind each net (reduced from $85 to $79).

Season tickets, half-season tickets, and 10-game packages are already available for purchase. The $10 seats (approximately 500 total) are in the last two rows of eight balcony sections. Tickets are available at the Garden, Ticketmaster, or by calling 617-624-BEAR.

Individual tickets ($10) for the Sept. 16 intrasquad scrimmage at Boston University's Agganis Arena went on sale yesterday.