[Southern_Canuck]

On the subject of players taking less than market value, I think of the 2003 Colorado Avalanche who signed Paul Kariya for $1.2M and Teemu Selanne for $5.8M (hey, who was more committed here?)

excerpt:
"The Avalanche Signs Kariya and Selanne
By The Associated Press
July 4, 2003

Kariya and Selanne used their free agency to team up in a quest to win the Stanley Cup. Former Anaheim teammates, the two took major pay cuts in agreeing to sign contracts with the Colorado Avalanche.

Once linemates on the Mighty Ducks, Kariya and Selanne became business partners on the open market. They joined the Avalanche as a package deal.

''When we both became free agents, we made a hockey decision,'' Kariya said at a news conference. ''We both said, 'Forget about the money, where's the place we want to play?' And Colorado jumped out at both of us immediately. So we made things work monetarily.''

Kariya, who played with the Mighty Ducks last season, agreed to a $1.2 million contract, according to a source within the N.H.L. who spoke to the A.P. on the condition of anonymity. Kariya earned $10 million in his final season with Anaheim.

Selanne, who declined his option at $6.5 million with the San Jose Sharks, agreed to a $5.8 million contract with Colorado, the source said."

S_C