WHA Prepared To Offer Bobby Hull $1 Million

WINNIPEG -- National Hockey League stars Bobby Hull and Derek Sanderson have been approached by representatives of the World Hockey Assn. about jumping to the WHA when the new league begins play in 1972. Ben Hatskin, owner of the Winnipeg Jets of the WHA, said he had spoken with Hull, the veteran star of the Chicago Black Hawks, and was prepared to offer him a five-year, $1 million contract to jump leagues. Meanwhile, Sanderson, the flamboyant center for the Boston Bruins, said a representative of the WHA's Miami franchise had offered him "a lot more" than $250,000 for a two-year contract.

Hatskin, who said he looked forward to meeting with Hull again in Toronto this weekend, revealed that the WHA clubs had each drafted four NHL players at a meeting 10 days ago. He would not reveal the three other players for whom he has obtained WHA negotiating rights. Hull was unavailable for comment.

[source: ap]