On a few things:
The Komets definitely want Colin Chaulk back and he said they told him that three weeks ago. They are negotiating some contract points.
``We're looking to make a couple of adjustments, but it's something we've talked to him about and he's fully aware of,'' Franke said. "There's nothing to comment on that.''
What about the rumors of cutting his contract?
``If Colin comes back, he'll receive a very, very fair wage indicative of his performance and his ability. He knows that and knows we want him back. I think he wants to come back, but we'll just see. If he doesn't play here, he'll play in Europe unless he wants to be traded, which I doubt that will happen as he's pretty well entrenched in this city.''
This is what Colin had to say:
``They have offered me a contract, but it was not the contract that was originally signed. I'm looking everywhere I guess, and I'm not really sure what I'm going to do. I'm not saying I'm not going to be in Fort Wayne, but I don't know.
``It's not like I don't have lots of time to think and make a decision. We'll wait to see what these league meetings say. That will play a part in my decision, too.''
Chaulk will have shoulder surgery June 22 for a frayed labrum. Franke said he fully expects Chaulk to be ready by training camp.
``It' s just two-to-four weeks,'' Chaulk said. As for his injured Achilles: "It's good. I'm walking around, but I still can't run yet. I see the doctor on June 12, and if I'm not cleared then, I should be in a week or two after that.''
Franke also said, contrary to rumors, no one from the Komets has talked to goaltender Tom Lawson, but they plan to call and find out what his situation is.
The Komets will be very active in Tuesday's dispersal draft for Motor City, Roanoke and Missouri. The reason more details haven't come out is that the UHL is trying everything to keep Adirondack alive.
Franke said he wants a team that can better take advantage of the new rules with speed next year and expects only four or five players back from last year's team.
``We're really waiting for the summer meetings to see what the landscape is going to be this year,'' he said. ``We're going to take this slow and not jump at anything. There are going to be a lot of players available and we want to make sure we're getting the right ones.''
