Stealth Name Derek Malawsky Franchise Player
August 10, 2005 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
San Jose Stealth News Release
SAN JOSE - The San Jose Stealth have announced that forward Derek Malawsky has been named as the team's franchise player for the 2005 season. The franchise designation is made by clubs who wish to guarantee the retention of key veteran players who would have otherwise become Unrestricted Free Agents for the upcoming season.
Entering his eighth National Lacrosse League season, Malawsky has amassed 432 points (149 goals, 283 assists) in 96 games while playing for Ontario, Buffalo, Rochester and San Jose. His 283 assists ranks him 10th all-time in the NLL.
After being traded from Minnesota on Jan. 8, Malawsky managed to put together an impressive first season with the Stealth. The six-foot, 175-pound Coquitlam, British Columbia native notched 50 points (14 goals, 36 assists) in 14 games. Playing along side his brother Curt, the two forwards combined for 97 points and provided veteran leadership to a young San Jose team.
"Derek is a big part of our plans moving forward with this team," said Stealth General Manager and Head Coach Johnny Mouradian. "His leadership as a playmaker both five-on-five and on the power play is a huge asset for us."
Malawsky has spent the summer playing for the Victoria Shamrocks of the Western Lacrosse Association where in 13 games, he ranks second on the team in points with 53 (16 goals, 37 assists).
Teams can declare a maximum of two Franchise Players. Some teams will only declare one, while others may elect not to declare any. In return, the player receives the league's maximum veteran salary plus an additional 15 percent for the upcoming season. The player automatically receives a salary that is 15 percent higher than any salary he would have received by signing with another club as an Unrestricted Free Agent.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from August 10, 2005
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