N.H.L. Commissioner Gary Bettman's second-in-command, the executive vice president Bill Daly, called Peca's comments ridiculous. ''Obviously, our clubs are free to do what they want,'' Daly said. ''We had absolutely nothing to do with the Michael Peca negotiations. They didn't reach agreement on a contract. It had nothing to do with the league.''

Regier echoed Daly's comments. ''It is ridiculous,'' he said during the Sabres' 6-3 victory over the Rangers. ''It's not about us carrying anything for the N.H.L. As an organization, we're losing a lot of money. This is about the long-term viability of the Buffalo Sabres in this community. And yet, we realize the players must be treated fairly.

''But we're not going to become a development club. This smacks far too much of baseball.''

Peca has all but given up on playing for the Sabres again. Regier said the team would welcome him back. Regier's last offer was for four seasons and $11.5 million. Regier said that Peca and his agent, Don Meehan, were seeking $14 million over four seasons.

''This is not about a big media market or a desperate club saying to an agent, 'If you can get him out, we'll give him the money,' '' Regier said. ''Buffalo has the right to have quality players, and that is all we're asking for under this collective bargaining agreement. If we would have gotten a good enough offer, we would have moved him.''

Glen Sather, the Rangers' president and general manager, said he had been trying to acquire Peca for some time. Peca has finished in the top five in the voting for the Selke trophy in each of the last four seasons. The award is given to the league's top defensive forward. He has scored 20 or more goals in three of the past four seasons.