How Donald Fehr Won The Lockout

It's the four words every hockey fan has been waiting to hear; The lockout is over! After 113 gruelling days of CBA talks and PR battles, Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr decided to call a truce and get the game we all love back on the ice. On Sunday morning around 5 am Bettman and Fehr stood side by side for the first time to announce they had agreed to a new CBA structure and had a tentative deal done to end the lockout.

After the long process where neither the NHL or the NHLPA wanted to give into the other side there will be a lot of speculation over who "won" the lockout. The players were never going to win on things like salary cap, length of CBA and contract terms, but the fact they- led by Fehr lasted this long and literally drove Bettman to the brink is a huge testament to the NHLPA's win in the lockout. But the reason Fehr was able to have success compared to other heads of the NHLPA is his ability to rally the players together as one for a greater cause.

For the most part the NHLPA was completely united in their fight against Bettman and the league. Time after time you saw players send out tweets about how they supported Donald Fehr and were united in the lockout battle. While none of them really enjoyed not playing hockey they were determined to work together and not let the NHL run all over them like in 2004. Fehr managed to bring the players together for the greater good and keep them together through the lockout, especially when things got tough and seemed like there was no hope. Every player that was involved in this process bought into the Fehr system, thats the reason they were able the last so long and not be beat up by the league. Heck the league even offered the players a fairly decent deal in an attempt to get a deal done while Fehr was out of the room. The way Fehr was able to keep the players motivated was simple- "There's a better deal coming", is what he told the players time after time and he was right.

In addition to buying into the "Fehr system" the players were also united in their hatred of Bettman, they were determined not to get weaseled by the weasel. The owners and Bettman did everything they possibly could to get to the players union and make them turn on their leader. From threatening the season, to taking him out of the room- to the PR battles in the media to even writing letters to the players. But every time the NHL tried something the players just stood firm behind their leader. Not an easy decision for players who weren't getting their paycheques and even tougher for free agents who didn't have a team to return to. Not once did the players blink at one of the league's take it- or - leave it offers. You have to tip your hat to Fehr for rallying the players and making sure they stuck together like glue.

Fehr played this one very strong- he knew the NHL and the owners couldn't afford to play anything less than a 48 game season as a fully scraped season would set the game so far back it may not have bounced back. The owners were putting pressure on Bettman to get a deal done and save the season at any costs, so Fehr was able to push through the phony threats from his opposition until their backs were up against the wall and they had no option other than to make a deal. It was a catch 22 for the league, they wanted to give the players as little as possible to retain their dominance but they couldn't push the players to far or they would refuse to cooperate and potentially disband. Fehr knew that when push came to shove and the owners backs were against the wall they would have no choice but to offer the players a respectable deal. Despite playing a very dangerous game of chicken that nearly resulted in the season being lost, Fehr was able to force the owners hand in a deal.

But most importantly- and entertainingly for fans, is the fact Fehr was able to drive Bettman absolutely crazy! In 2004-2005 the lockout was pretty much a walk in the park for the owners. The players didn't have a strong negotiator to stand up for them and ended up losing in the long run, but bringing notorious negotiator Fehr ahead of this years CBA expiration indicated the players were looking for a much tougher battle this time around. Bettman tried every trick in the book to get Fehr to fold and take the offer he was shoving down the players throats, but still Fehr refused to budge. Every threat the league said ended up making them look stupid as none of it came true because of Fehr's perseverance. It got to the point where it seemed Bettman had no answer for Fehr- he didn't know what to do next, he became so uncomfortable knowing that Fehr had stymied his plan of driving the players into the ground.

The point it became evident to me that Bettman was losing it was the press conference after Fehr had gone back into the room after the owners had presented the players a new contract. Fehr went back into the room despite being warned not to by Bettman and told the owners what they could do with that offer, then stormed of with his players. That night Bettman left him an angry voicemail saying they were done negotiating- something uncharacteristic from the league commissioner, then the players association went to the media to show that Bettman was upset. Bettman then held his own press conference to tell everyone he wasn't pleased and negotiations had taken a step back and had in fact been stalled. During that press conference from Bettman, I've never seen him so annoyed, agitated and down right angry at anything that much before. Seeing true emotion from Bettman is rare and seeing so much from him- anger, frustration, confusion and flat-out annoyance, proved that Fehr was able to get under his skin during this lockout.

Donald Fehr came into this lockout with a game plan; He knew he couldn't let the league walk over the players again and was willing to play hardball until the owners gave him a pitch he could hit. He was able to see through Bettman's smoke screens to know he was bluffing on almost all his threats- that no deal was ever "off the table" and he was able to drive Bettman nuts. There was no question the players were going to bleed during this process, Fehr's job was to limit the bleeding and protect the players. Fehr was able to stop the bleeding at minimal damage and work out a deal that should truly help the players for years to come plus he had a little fun with Bettman along the way- it's a win-win for Donald Fehr and the NHLPA.

Is The Lockout Just a Joke For the NHL?

Throughout this entire lockout there has been speculation that the NHL had a secret date in their heads as to when this lockout will end and when they will work out a new CBA. It's becoming more and more apparent that the NHL does indeed have a drop dead date and is sticking to it. In a earlier post I hinted at the fact the NHL had a date in mind and wouldn't negotiate before then, only problem I thought that date was in December. That date according to Bill Daly is sometime in mid-January;

"It is fair to say it is sometime in mid-January," ~ Bill Daly on Sportsnet 590

Daly also went on to say that commissioner Gary Bettman would not ice a season with fewer that 48 games for the "integrity of the game". So that gives the NHL and NHLPA roughly 3 weeks to hammer out a new CBA, not a ton of time but if the NHL is serious about having a deal done my mid-January it's possible. The earliest fans would see NHL hockey is January 15th as the NHL has now cancelled all games up until that point, not a lot of room for optimism.

After Daly's appearance on the Fan 590, he decided he wasn't done talking and joined Hockey Night in Canada radio and gave a surprising answer when asked if fans will get to see a NHL season;

"Yes!" ~ Bill Daly

Daly was a very busy man on Wednesday, declaring that there is a "drop dead date" (which everyone kind of knew) and that there will be an NHL season, the question then becomes what season? People don't like Bettman as a result Daly being his "right hand man" takes a lot of flack in the public and the media, but no matter which way you look at it those are 2 very strong messages sent directly from the league.

Everyone knows that at some point you have to cancel the entire season, somewhere, in someones head there's a point of no return, it's the only logical option in a negotiation like this. Have Bettman and the owners always known about the date and wanted to delay to the last possible second? It's possible. But at the same time Donald Fehr and the players also know there is a magical date, heck they've even come out and mention that there is a magical date in interviews. The NHLPA much like the NHL knows exactly how much they can ask for and for how long. Up until now the two sides have been throwing lobs at each other to see if the other side will hit one and get some traction, they know that what they're currently offering isn't going to be hit but they're trying to see what else they can get thrown into the deal.

If the NHL truly wants to get a deal done and in place for January 15th (drop dead date) look for them to throw the NHLPA a pitch right down the middle thatthey just can't refuse. The reason the two sides are waiting till the very last possible minute is because thats when the best deal will be made. When their backs are up against the wall they begin to panic, each side will be willing to throw something extra into the pot to make a deal because they know they don't have much time left to negotiate. A deal accepted in January is likely to be much better than any deal accepted in November. Right now it's the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs in a tie game, can one team get the hit it takes to crack this thing open?

Now let's talk about Daly saying "yes" to an NHL season. Before you start jumping up and down and

planning your next trip to the arena, let's take a step back. Maybe Daly is right, the NHL really isn't willing to cancel the season and there will be a deal

completed allowing hockey to resume for this season,

if so thats fantastic. But there's a few more reasons he said yes during the interview. First off, he was given an ultimatum and wasn't allowed to give a answer other than yes or no, obviously he's not going to say no and crush the fading hope of the fans. The NHL wants the fans to believe it's Fehr's fault there is no



season, so they're obviously not going to roll over and dig their own grave. The second reason he said yes is to help the NHL's case in the PR battle. By saying yes it opens the doors and provides evidence that the NHL is fully committed to getting a deal done and dropping the puck on an NHL season. It paints the allusion that they were fully committed to getting a deal done and playing hockey and in case that doesn't happen their butts are covered now. Which paints them a better picture for the fans. As I said It's all about the PR battle.

Now it's fully possible that there are owners who are telling Bettman they are unwilling to lose an entire season to these silly childish ploys because they simply can't survive. If the owners are truly getting upset with Bettman like what has been rumoured then one would have to think the plan all along was not to cancel the entire season, Bettman may be run out of town if that happens.

Virtually we are no closer to seeing NHL hockey back. Right now the best only option is a season that begins on January 15th and would see each team play 49 games. If that does indeed happen, look for more significance on divisional and conference play as there simply wont be enough time for long road trips. The next few weeks will be crucial to deciding the fate of the NHL. The only thing we know for sure is in order to see hockey the two sides must resume talking.

How NHLPA Is Winning the PR Battle

On Wednesday the NHL and NHLPA agreed to meet after the players turned down Gary Bettman's request for a 2 week break. As expected the players submitted a new proposal and in almost predictable fashion it was turned down and met with disappointment. Or so the public is lead to believe. Since the two sides accomplished nothing yesterday, we're staying away from the depressing CBA talk and instead focusing on how and why the NHLPA has been able to win the fans support.

Let's get something straight right off the bat; We the public only hear and see exactly what the two sides want us too, which is why there is so much negativity right now. For whatever reason the two sides have decided to paint the picture that things are not going well and neither side has really compromised. Truthfully I don't think they're as far apart as they would have us believe. Just the same as when Bettman called the fans mindless sheep, the NHL and NHLPA know that we are just pawns in their game. If they tell us too jump we will; how else would you explain the swing in emotions on twitter on Wednesday? Whatever they tell the media gets relayed back to us the fans, and because it first passes through the media it will be dramatized.

Make no mistake, Donald Fehr and the players aren't stupid, they know exactly what they're doing and how they're going to win the fans over in the media so they look good. Don't believe me, let's look over some of the quotes from yesterday's media scrum.

"The players are suffering right along with the fans."

By saying that the players are suffering just as bad as the fans it helps draw the fans into the players world and earns them empathy. Fehr is making the fans believe that they can relate to the players and that the players in turn are relating to the fans. What fan doesn't want to hear that the players are in the same boat as them?

Considering there are at least 100 NHL players who have headed over season to play hockey, I don't think they're suffering at all actually. Another thing to note, is the players are still getting payed during this lockout. Sure they aren't getting any of their $6 million a year, but they are receiving money every week.

"We made an enormous move in the owners' direction to try and end it"

This one is pretty self explanatory. Fehr is telling everyone that his side is working hard to find a solution to the lockout and getting back to playing hockey, not only are they working hard they've made some major concessions to get a deal that is closer to the owners requests. Ironic how various members of the NHLPA started to leak their proposal before they even met with the NHL. Public negotiations aren't going to solve anything.

"The players are making enormous concessions to the owners and we want some protection on the downside"

This quote right here does a fantastic job of pinning everyone against the NHL and Bettman. Fehr is insinuating that the owners haven't backed off at all from their original proposal and wont help compensate the players on the concessions they've made. Truth be told the NHLPA hasn't offered many concessions, their "best offer" from Wednesday wasn't their best, you can almost bet that we'll see another one from the NHLPA.

Now back to the notion that yesterdays proposal was immediately thrown out by the league. The NHLPA's proposal was a HUGE step in the right direction and shows that they are willing to cave slightly to get a deal done. Bettman even acknowledged that this was a big move from the players; " There was movement on some issues by the players' association and that was appreciated." This proposal puts the NHLPA and NHL back in the same universe and talking the same

language. Many of the key points from the proposal are perfect starting blocks for further negotiations as long as the two sides are willing.

But the way Fehr and many of the players have been able to persuade the fans is by doing what they know best, whining. Listen to any Fehr press conference, interview, conversation, heck I imagine he even whines in his text messages, he never stops whining. In the same sense look at the players calling Bettman an idiot and their tweets on twitter, it's just nonsense.

https://twitter.com/BrandonPrust8/status/271364641664425984

All the players and Fehr do is whine to the media about Bettman and the owners. It's all about how hard done by they are, how the owners are against them and how they feel like they're the only ones negotiating. I don't know whats worse hearing these lies or the people who actually believe what they're being fed! As much as they want us to believe they haven't really given up a lot and the NHL isn't completely ignoring them. When you look at Bettman during a interview or press conference he doesn't blame the other side or complain that it's all them. He tells it like it is; "both sides are still far apart" Because Bettman is more of a realist and doesn't stoop to play the blame game he gets a lot of blame.

Yes I know it's a tactic and they're trying to win the public over by blaming this lockout on the other side, but they are misleading. Maybe just for a second stop listening to everything you hear on TV and see on the internet. Heck I wouldn't believe anything anyone from the NHL or NHLPA let the "media know". The story of the boy who called woof didn't end well, take note NHLPA.

Gary Bettman's 2 Week Break Idea To Rally Owners

Things between the NHL and NHLPA have quickly gone sour, both sides claim to still be far away from reaching an agreement. Last week NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told the media that he was suggesting a 2 week break in negotiations. News that angered NHL players and fans alike, many stating "What's a 2 week break going to solve Gary?!" I'll admit even I was perplexed at the idea of a break when both sides are so far apart, but various reports that have begun to surface put everything into perspective. If I may say well played Bettman, well played.

My initial thoughts after the announcement, were the season was gone, no chance to save it. The two sides would take 2 weeks off (totalling 3 weeks in a row) and then want to break for Christmas and before you know it there wouldn't be any time left for a season. I also thought this was another tactic by Bettman attempting to get the players to "jump the gun" and bite the bullet in order to get back to hockey. But thanks to a news article posted Saturday afternoon things are a little more clear. The article comes out of Philadelphia, and reports that Bettman may be losing his support on the lockout front.

To summarize the article; The biggest supporter of the lockout, Philadelphia Flyers GM Ed Snider is beginning to change his tune. Since the start of the season beginning December 1st has become all but impossible. Bettman's possy of owners is starting to get antsy. The owners were promised an easy win and a major cut of the players share. But since it's become apparent Donald Fehr isn't about to let that happen, the owners now realize the most they will get is a slim victory. And with angry fans and NHL sponsors ready to pull the plug any moment, is this small victory worth sacrificing the season and possibly ruining the NHL empire over?

As Ian White pointed out on Friday, Bettman only needs 7 owners (the NHL owns Phoenix making 8) to agree with him to keep the lockout intact, but if his biggest supporter flips the tables those other 6 may also reconsider. According to reports, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero will also change his vote if his counter part and rival Snider does. With those 2 GM's possibly switching sides Bettman would lose not one but two of his biggest supports throughout the lockout. If the Flyers and Penguins representatives switch sides, look for the Bruins and Rangers to switch their votes as well. All the sudden Bettman's 7 little dwarfs are down to 4 and with the power that Snider has an end to the lockout would be almost imminent.

Snider has already suggested using a mediator to help bring the two sides together and has reportedly made his own proposal to end the lockout and presented it to the Board of Governors. Make no mistake Bettman knows just how powerful Snider can be, which is why he requested a 2 week break to give him the opportunity to see where "his 7" stand on the lockout front. By requesting the 2 weeks off without really a valid reason it gives him an opportunity keep up his image with the media and NHLPA. They don't have to know there is a divide in the owners corner and if Bettman plays his cards right he'd be hoping the players cave and request an end to the lockout, making him once again look like the big shot. With the Flyers and Penguins teaming up to potentially stop the lockout, things look bleak for Bettman. Now you're probably wondering why the Flyers and Penguins owners would team up on anything given their on ice rivalry, but it actually makes perfect sense. Two of the higher end franchises in the NHL who have both put together solid teams, one could easily see that both the Penguins and Flyers are two of the dominate forces in the Eastern Conference and a long layoff could cease their momentum.

Bettman's first mistake in this whole situation was promising the owners a big win. Sure he probably had to butter things up to convince the owners a lockout was in their best interest, but the moment the NHLPA hired Donald Fehr it was evident the owners weren't going to get a big win, just look at his track record! Now that the owners realize they aren't going to get what they were promised they don't feel the need to continue this pointless lockout.

Although this predicament raises many questions; Which other owners are now switching sides? Will Snider in the end side with Bettman? Can Bettman survive this lockout? Only time can reveal the answers, but things surrounding the NHL sure are interesting eh? While everyone was starring at the NHLPA and waiting for them to crack, perhaps people should have been paying more attention to the owners; Billionaires can't stand it when their Billions stop rolling in.

The good news is the NHLPA appear to have rejected Bettman's 2 week break idea and are demanding to meet next week. If Fehr smells any kind of blood in the water he'll move quickly and go in for the kill, hopefully catching Bettman and his divided owners off gaurd.

Ian White Calls Gary Bettman An Idiot

We're roughly 2 months into the NHL lockout and to be honest I don't know if the two sides are any closer now than they were 2 months ago. Although there's the drama of potentially losing a whole season, fans haven't really been treated to a lot of drama from either side. Besides Bettman and Fehr taking shots at each other through the media, there hasn't been anything juicy. But that all changed on Friday afternoon when Detroit Red Wings defenceman Ian White broke the typical player mould and let his thoughts about the opposition be known;

"To be honest, I personally think he's an idiot."

Wow! I'm sorry White can you tell us how you really feel about Bettman, oh you're not fond of him?

"Since he's come in I think he's done nothing but damage the game."

Alright, I think we're getting a better picture of what White is thinking/feeling through the lockout. But please continue;

 "If you think about all the moves he's made, teams that are all struggling seem to be the teams that he put in places where there's not viable markets for hockey. Three work stoppages-I don't know if he's in control of the owners or what he's saying, but I think it's only 7 of the owners that have to agree on something to have it pass. You'd think it'd be at least 50%. It just doesn't seem like they're running a democratic process, if you will."

Talk about not pulling any punches, White made sure his feelings were known and one would have to think he's not the only play that is feeling this way about the NHL. White stood up for his fellow players that didn't have the guts to publicly call out Bettman, but his comments only further prove the rift that is evident between the players and owners. It also proves that the players, who are not fans of Bettman, aren't going to cooperate and let him walk over them.

To be honest I'm glad that White had the guts to call out Bettman, he is an idiot and is about to ruin one of the best games on the planet. White and the rest of the players have every reason to be upset with whats taking place; In 2004-2005 the players lost everything and the owners ran laughing all the way to the bank, this time around the players just want a fair deal but the owners want a clean sweep like last time. Bettman needs to get it through his head that the players wont just roll over this time around. But what I believe really set White off is the fact that Bettman has decided it would be best if the two sides take a 2 week break from negotiating, and since they haven't met for a week that makes 3 weeks without any negotiations. You're trying to save a season and salvage the image of the NHL, taking 2 weeks off isn't going to help anything in fact it's very idiotic. It's virtually like Bettman giving the players a "timeout" because they won't listen and cooperate.

While I currently stand neutral between the two sides, as both are at fault to a certain extent. I honestly don't care who the "bad guy" is anymore I just want the NHL back! I applaud White for voicing his opinions about the owners and Bettman, he has some solid points in his argument; The fact Bettman only needs a handful of owners on his side to win a majority, is disgusting. You can bet there were and are several owners who are just as upset about this lockout as the players are; The Winnipeg Jets just got a team back, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings had a Winter Classic game and how about poor little Columbus who are losing their all-star game. Then there's the fact this is the 3rd lockout under Bettman, shows he has a history and is willing to cancel a season to get his way.

The only part of White's little rant that could be thrown back into his face is his argument about less teams. If there were fewer teams there would be a strong chance Ian White himself wouldn't be in the NHL. Fewer teams make room for only star players, very few teams would be willing to sacrifice a spot for a journey man defenceman. Also many of his fellow players wouldn't be too happy if there were fewer teams as the majority of them would be out of a job.

Kudos to White for voicing what everyone all ready knew, the players can't stand Gary Bettman. Good thing for fans is things usually get ugly before they get better, who knows maybe White stepping up will inspire some other players to voice their opinions.

Latest CBA Talks Bring Optimism

If you follow me on twitter or have read some of my latest articles, you know that I have always been fairly optimistic about these CBA negotiations. Even when the NHL "cancelled" the Winter Classic and fans instantly fled to twitter to share their despair about the season, I was still holding hope that we would see hockey. Finally this weekend the NHL gave me a reason to legitimately be optimistic about seeing some hockey this season. If you saw my article yesterday, I explained my optimism. Although it sounds weird, I'm perfectly happy with the silence coming from the two sides as it means we're inching closer to getting a deal done and some NHL hockey back.

Don't fret hockey fans, there is reason to be optimistic about seeing some NHL hockey in the near future and that optimism comes from silence. The two sides met for a marathon meeting on Saturday that lasted until the wee hours of Sunday and then had a 7 hour meeting on Tuesday and are again expected to meet on Wednesday. The best news that has come from these meetings is the fact there hasn't been any news or rumours leaked to the media, immediately following the meetings.

3 Reasons I'm optimistic that we'll see hockey by December.

1. Media Games Have Finished

With a debacle as big as the CBA negotiations there's always a third side in the matter, the fans. Through the media the two sides have been firing missiles at each other in an attempt to win fan support, just in case the lockout lasts the full season. But the mind games with the fans are just maddening; through the wild circus I've gone from full support for the players, to the owners side to just get a stinkin' deal done! Judging from twitter most fans are now on board with the later side and just want to see some hockey, who cares who's responsible? It's come to the point that if there is a full season lockout, both sides are likely to shoulder the blame from the fans for the loss as both are equally responsible for this avoidable lockout.

Now that the two sides are negotiating strictly between themselves, and aren't posting their proposals online, they can finally begin to seriously talk about the issues. They've put down their guns and have decided that firing shots at each other isn't going to solve anything, about time! Now that the media is getting little to no information about the meetings, its a sign that both sides are making a serious attempt to come to terms on a new CBA and don't want the media to ruin these discussions. The less information leaked the better the negotiations are going. Although we may not enjoy the silent treatment we're receiving, it's key to ending this lockout and getting the game we all love back. The less we hear the better things are going.

2. Bill Daly Stepping Up

There hasn't been much of anything guaranteed or made known to the fans during this lockout. We've been told both sides want to get a deal done and we've seen player after player jump ship to go play overseas. But one thing that has been constant and portrayed to the fans, is the players hate and resentment towards Gary Bettman. The fact they dislike him so much is the driving force behind the NHLPA and has actually worked to unite the players. As dangerous as it may be this may be the most powerful and unanimous players association the NHL has ever come up against, the fact they have Donald Fehr heading things up sure as heck doesn't help matters.

With Bettman directly heading up the NHL and presenting ideas to the players, things haven't gone well and the players have been almost determined to turn down any deal Bettman presents unless it's clear cut the players are getting the better deal. Finally the NHL has seen the light and has taken Bettman out of the direct spotlight and have replaced him with Bill Daly. The marathon meeting on Saturday and the meeting on Tuesday were both headed up by Daly, instead of Bettman, and as a result there was much less hostility between the two sides. They actually sat down, managed to discuss the issues and have a negotiation. Imagine that. The key to calming the players down and getting them to agree on a new reasonable CBA is as little Bettman as possible, as long as Daly is running interference the two sides are able to talk and have no need to run crying to the media.

3. The Owners

The current owners involved in these discussions are not the same owners from the 2004-2005 lockout. What I mean by that, is that these owners are not ready and willing to sacrifice a whole season like they were willing too last time. For some their teams simply cant' afford to miss a whole season for any reason, let alone because Bettman refuses to lose. Teams like Phoenix and Florida have far too much at risk, to have a whole season go by without any NHL action. These owners know that a whole season without hockey isn't going to fly like it did last time as things are different this time around in the eyes of the public. Due to the fact the owners are not willing to sacrifice a whole season, they're not going to let Bettman get away with goofing off during these negotiations and as a result what we are seeing right now between the two sides is because of pressure from the owners on Bettman to get a deal done. If we see the NHL cave, you can thank the owners.

The last reason I'm optimistic about the two sides possibly getting a deal done is the silence. Think about, right before any large storm there is quite and the same thing took place right before both the NBA and NFL ended their respective lockouts. Right before deals were reached the media was fed very little information and then bam, the two sides had agreed on a deal. Hopefully the NHL will follow suit and this long painful silence will indeed be worth it, but judging on the past, the NHL seems to heading down the right path towards ending the lockout. This next two weeks are crucial to determining if a deal will be reached, so expect to hear very little from the either side down the stretch. If it's still quite near US Thanksgiving, there's a great chance we'll see hockey in December, as long as the next two weeks go smoothly there's a chance.

Now you know why I'm optimistic about the NHL, why are you optimistic or are still being skeptic?

Fans Thoughts About the Lockout

It appears right now with the NHL lockout both the NHL and NHLPA are more interested in trying to convince the fans whose fault this lockout is instead of actually, you know, working on a new CBA. There have been countless interview, tweets, videos and letters sent to fans with either side justifying their point and taking shots at their opponents. But the one thing we haven't seen or heard is the opinions of the fans. For this post I've joined forces with the wonderful people over at SportsRantz Magazine to bring you a fantastic hockey article about the fans.

I've searched high and low, long and hard and scavenged twitter for the best tweets from the fans expressing their feelings about the lockout. As I expected the majority of you are upset.

 A new week starts. If only the NHL would kick their butts into gear & think about fans & not only $$, it would be amazing!

— Dawn Rose(@LadyTennisBall) October 1, 2012

Day 15 of @nhl Lockout and I'm still watching Daly and Bettman talk and act like idiots. #OwnersLockout

— Allan Boynton (@allanboynton) October 1, 2012

It's October and you know what that means ...NHL HOCKEY !!! Oh wait there's a lockout in place ! Thank you #NHLPA #nhlowners. #LockedoutFan

— Paul Calamari (@PCalamari16) October 1, 2012

NHL - no hockey league

— NHLKateNHL (@NHLKateNHL) September 27, 2012

Roger Goodell struck a deal with the refs because of fan outrage. Meanwhile, Gary Bettman laughs maniacally on a big pile of money. #NHL

— Kyle Leathers (@kleathers) September 27, 2012

Can the #NHL get replacement owners?

— Just Plain T (@JustPlainT) September 27, 2012

chuck Norris can't even stop the NHL lockout

— JohnLafata™ (@JohnLafata14) September 27, 2012

#NHLPA, just googled "things that stun growth" Gary Bettman is now third behind smoking and malnutrition #NHL #lockout

— OptimistPrime (@G_5HARP) September 27, 2012

The world is supposed to end this year and there's an NHL lockout. Coincidence? I think not.

— Hockey Problems (@TheHockeyProbs) September 24, 2012

So there's an NHL lockout AND a bacon shortage? Maybe the end of the world is coming...

— andrea (@andreaaaceee) September 26, 2012

Fun Fact. The NHL has lost more games to a LOCKOUT, then baseball, basketball, and football combined.

— Steve Ott (@otterN9NE) September 22, 2012

NFL & the refs are willing to negotiate til 2am while NHL & NHLPA are more interested in trying to convince fans whose fault the lockout is.

— Wheeling Problems (@wheelingprobs) September 26, 2012

If Gary Bettman's head pops off. It may or may not be due to the VooDoo doll that I can't confirm nor deny I have in my possession.

— Leigh(@LuvBuffaloSport) September 16, 2012

Gotta tell ya - I don't buy for a min that ALL owners were unanimous - some voted NO via peer pressure. Can't believe ALL wanted #Lockout

— Mary Ann (@MusingMaryAnn) September 14, 2012

Greedy @nhl owners continue to screw over players, fans and all the people who work in arenas with their stubbornness with this lockout. :(

— Chris Cardwell (@thebl4ckd0g) October 4, 2012

All NHL GMs only get so many kicks at the can before they have to move on. Gary Bettman has been the NHL's GM for 20 years. Time to move on.

— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) October 1, 2012

Good talk with a co-worker about the #NHL lockout. In conclusion, They don't care about the fans so I'm going to stop caring about them.

— Arnold K (@aroc88) October 4, 2012

that awkward period between baseball and hockey season thats even longer cause gary bettman is an asshole

— Tyler Hagen (@Tyler_Hagen) October 4, 2012

@hockeylife30 the League is being too greedy, the players make the League a success,and the League is unrightly trying to lessen their money

— Jordan T (@44vbtimpson) October 4, 2012

There you have it folks, probably one of the few articles that focuses directly on the fans and their opinions. Heck if the NHL isn't going to listen to us, we have to voice our thoughts some how. Thank you to everyone for your tweets and sharing your thoughts. Make sure you read the rest of the article over on Sports Rantz magazine for thoughts from Facebook hockey fans and the effect the lockout will have on junior hockey. Huge thanks to Kristina Chambers for asking me to be apart of this article and motivating me to do a post about the fans thoughts.

NHL Makes Substantial Proposal Ball Now in Players Court

While it may be a little early for full optimism, hockey fans should mark October 16th and November 2nd on their calendars. The Fehr brothers met with Bettman and Daly on Monday and while the media were told a new proposal from either side was not going to be presented, the NHL decided enough was enough and submitted a massive proposal which has the makings to get the ball rolling on the NHL season.

One of the major stumbling blocks in these negotiations has been deciding how to divide Hockey Related Revenue between both the league and the players. As expected both sides wanted a bigger piece of the pie and neither were ready to back down, until today. Gary Bettman submitted a new proposal today that would see both the league and the players splitting HRR 50-50. In addition to the 50-50 split Bettman has given the players the opportunity to play a full 82 game season that would begin on November 2nd. Is it a sure deal, no. But it's a step in the right direction towards getting a deal done.

Up until today Bettman and the owners refused to cave and laid all the pressure on the players to cave and get the game going. Only problem was that all the fans were on the side of the players. With this new offer that appears to be fair everything falls directly on the players; accept the offer and start the season November 2nd or turn down the offer and lose the fan support. Tough choice.

Key points in the NHLs offer include:

• Players share of HRR will be 50% for the 6 years of the new proposed CBA.


• The new CBA would be in effect for 6 years with a option for 7th


• Entry level contracts will only be restricted to 2 years


• The maximum length for player deals will be 5 years


• Players over the age of 28 or who have 8 years of NHL experience will qualify for unrestricted free agency. Earliest a player could reach free agency would be 26.


• All players who signed a contract longer than 5 years will be maintained and will count against a teams cap space.


• A cap maximum of $70.2 million with a floor of $49.7 millions


• A full 82 NHL season plus playoffs that will begin November 2nd and possibly end the last week of June.

Oddly enough Bettman has stated many times that he doesn't negotiate in public but released a
detailed copy of the NHLs proposal to the players online. Could this just be a public relations move to get the fans support?

"We’re focused on getting the puck dropped on Nov. 2 and playing a full 82-game regular season and full playoffs, That’s what this offer is all about.” ~Gary Bettman

Sure sounds like Bettman is trying to tickle our ears! The more one reviews the proposal it appears that this is more of an attempt for the commissioner to show the public he is committed to getting a deal done and starting the season. There are points the players are going to like and points they aren't; the 50-50 split is a major positive where as waiting until age 28 for UFA is likely not going to fly well. It just depends on how much each side is willing to compromise.

But the fact the NHL submitted a new, somewhat "player friendly" proposal is a huge positive. It means they are ready to negotiate and get the deal done to get hockey back. Right now it's all on the players, how badly do they really want to get a deal done? They've been saying they just "want to play" so here's their chance. If the players don't accept the deal and counter something the league will scoff at, they will lose the PR battle with the fans. It's a tough spot for the players but a extremely smart move by Bettman.

Whether you want to believe it or not this latest proposal from the league a great turning point in these negotiations. Now that Bettman has "given in" and made the first significant proposal both sides can now freely make their points without the feeling of sabotaging the negotiations.

The reaction from players and Donald fehr is that this new proposal is a "good starting point" and they are expected to submit a counter proposal in the next 24 hours. Only problem, how much further is Bettman willing to bend?
At the end of the day Fehr's job is not to settle but rather to get the best possible deal for the players and they will not be satisfied with just 50% of the pie.

What do you think about the new proposal from the league; Is it fair? Should the players submit?

NHL Replacement Players

 

As we've learned from players Gary Bettman has a very strange and unordinary way of negotiating. Instead of actually negotiating he believes in threatening and imposing a lockout. Some players even went as far to say "It was like he was happy to cancel the first two weeks." Bettman's next threat to the NHLPA is the possibility of using "replacement players." Yes you read that correctly, just like the NFL used replacement officials, Bettman wants and is willing to do the same with players. An interesting concept; The NHL without NHL players...

After Bettman proved he was serious about cancelling games by knocking off the first 2 weeks of the season, totalling 82 games enough games for an entire regular season for a single team, on Thursday. It's time to start taking his threat of replacement players a little more seriously because he's crazy enough to try it. Bringing in the replacement players or "scabs" was a threat the league used back in 2004 but nothing serious came from it. This time around that possibility is back on the table and could gain some serious discussion if the NHL and NHLPA have still not completed a deal by mid November.

Toronto Maple Leafs former assistant GM Bill Watters is spreading word about the possibility of the league using scabs and how easy it would be;

"There are enough free agents around and players under contract in junior, on reserve lists and in the AHL to ice a team in every city. It is conceivable" ~ Bill Watters

Bettman's hope is that some players would cross the picket line and come back to play with the replacement players. This would mainly be free agents and or players who are in the last year of their contracts. Other players included in the replacement section are AHL players with NHL contracts and prospects from Europe who have ties to an NHL team. Virtually the scabs would be glorified AHL players and any players that aren't represented by the NHLPA.

Of course the league and Bettman would be betting or believing that the fans are so starved for hockey they'd pay money to come and see the scabs. I'm not going to lie I might be interested in seeing some of the players and the talent level for a couple of weeks, but after that I'm out. So the question remains would fans actually support the scabs? As of right I'd have to say no. The players are seen as the good guys in the eyes of the majority of fans, they were willing to play and still negotiate and are seen as victims of the money starved NHL owners. So why would the fans turn on the player if they don't believe they've done anything wrong?

Hockey fans are a different breed of sports fans. Sure we have our favourite players who we'll support till the day they hang up the skates, but we really fall in love with a team because of that team. Most Toronto Maple Leaf fans have stayed loyal although the team hasn't accomplished anything significant in years. Why do they still support the team? Because it's the Leafs, they have such a rich history and heritage that the fans just want to support the team. We cheer for the logo on the front of the jersey over the name on the back of the jersey. Which is why Bettman may give the scabs a try, because he thinks fans would be willing to pay to see their beloved teams back on the ice, no matter whose wearing the jersey.

Hoping that the scabs would help draw some of the players across the picket line and then in turn force the NHLPA to cave is a lofty wish for the league and highly unlikely to work. What do you think, would you pay to see scabs playing for your favourite team? Would you enjoy seeing scabs? Will the NHL actually go through with the threat of scabs?

Where You Can Find Players During a Lockout

 

The mood around the NHL right now is sombre and tense. Will there be a lockout or will we get to see hockey?
The best way to lighten a mood and break the tension is to laugh. That's why today's piece is guaranteed to make you chuckle and forget about your lockout blues.

We'll be taking a look at where you can find some NHL stars and what they'll be doing while hockey is on hold.

Raffi Torres- Anger Management Classes

Torres is the type of player who skates the thin line between tough guy and all around idiot. He received a 25 game suspension for a hitting Blackhawks Marian Hossa in the head. Prior to the Hossa hit Torres had been suspended twice for hitting opponents in the head. During the lockout you can find Torres taking some anger management classes to help him channel another outlet for his anger so he no longer feels the need to take out star players because they get more ice time or score more goals than himself.  You can tell if the classes have taken worked when he goes to hit another opponent; Does he leave his feet and leap at the players head or simply drive his elbow into their head?

http://youtu.be/W2mX7LqBGo4

Ilya Bryzgalov- Teaching a class about the Universe

Did you know that the universe is "humongus big"? True story, I learned it from Bryzgalov. During to the the 24/7 series that followed the Flyers up to the Winter Classic, fans were treated to a little peak inside the Russian goaltenders mind. As it turns out Bryzgalov is obsessed with the universe, unfortunately for Flyers fans he wanted to see if he could get his Goals Against Average to be as "humongus big" as the universe which he studies. Good news for students you can expect the goalie to be at a school near year teaching about the universe and the solar system. In edition to teaching about the universe he will also be teaching courses on personality and how to handle the media.

http://youtu.be/OtaWkLFfevc

Alexander Ovechkin- Starring in Music Videos

On top of being one of the best hockey players in Bryzgalov's "humongus big" universe, Ovechkin also likes to spit out the rhymes. A video came out in January that featured the Capitals captain rapping in a Russian Music Video. No need to cry for Ovechkin during the lockout, he has a pretty solid backup plan that pays just as well as a hockey career. Look for Ovechkin to realize his own music videos and maybe even sign a record deal this offseason, after all he's pretty "ill".

http://youtu.be/qhhzC7rzre0

Henrik Lundqvist- Touring with his band

On top of being one of the best goalies in the NHL, the most stylist athlete and an al around classy guy, Lundqvist can "shred" pretty hard on the guitar. During the offseason the Rangers goalie spends time with his band and playing gigs, looks like he has his backup plan all worked out. Rockstars also make some pretty decent money.

http://youtu.be/vDXnlB9obDU

Sidney Crosby- Reliving his glory days with the TimBits

Over the last two seasons Crosby has had nothing but trouble with concussions and "concussion like symptoms". Right now he claims to be fully healthy and ready to go, too bad there's going to be a lockout. Why would Crosby risk getting hurt playing in the KHL or in Europe when he can play with little 6-7 year olds who can't cause any harm to him, heck they can't even reach his head.

http://youtu.be/a7fKuOMo2r4

Tim Thomas- Run for Congress

Thomas has reached a point in his career where he no longer cares what people think of him, he made that very clear this season by expressing his multiple political views. Thomas had a crazy season mixed with poor play and politics. He's already stated he will take the season off to focus on his personal life and to once again become true to himself. Who know's maybe we'll see him run for congress, can you imagine President Thomas? If you get handed a pin with his face on it or see a poster that says "vote for Thomas" do society a favour and tear it down.

Ryan Miller- Protesting Hitting

After Milan Lucic ran over Miller in a game last season, Miller stuck around to share some words about his feelings towards Lucic. While I myself do not support the hit, the scenario itself turned out to be pretty funny. Look for Miller to be in the stands at OHL or AHL hockey games offering to do post game press conferences about dirty hits. Who know's maybe he can even get his own segment where he chimes in about how he feels about a player after a hit.

http://youtu.be/FvE82q4yKEM

Patrick Kane- Party Rocking



Whether their is a lockout or not, Kane knows what to do when he's not busy playing hockey. Pictures and articles have leaked about Kane being a partyanimal and getting drunk. Kane will be happy with a lockout as it means he can party non-stop without having to worry about hockey. If you go to a pary during the lockout be on the lookout for Patrick Kane, he'll be the life of the party. Special tip, don't ride in a taxi cab with him!

There you have it folks, a light-hearted article poking a little fun at some of the players. Hopefully there is no NHL lockout and we wont see the players in the scenarios above.

 

<p>This post is an official entry in the <a href="http://www.scottspicks.com">ScottsPicks.com</a> <a href="http://www.scottspicks.com/sports-writing-contest.htm">Writing Contest</a>.</p>

Why The NHL Is Doomed For a Lockout

 

Time left until September 15 is ticking as fast as a Zdeno Chara slap shot, yet the NHL and NHLPA are taking their sweet time in negotiating a new CBA. Just like everyone else I was puzzled and frustrated by the lack of urgency between the two sides to start the season. While listening to the Fan 590 this weekend, I was introduced to a new theory of whats going. The reason there is no urgency to get a deal done is because they don't want to get a deal done!

You're probably thinking i'm out to lunch with this idea, "of course the two sides want to get a deal done." You're right the two sides do want to orchestrate a new deal but not as quickly as the fans are hoping. So why are they in no hurry to work out a new CBA? Because neither the owners nor the players care about the first two months of the season! The NHL season of 82 games is a pretty long season, the games played in October and beginning of November don't really play a major part in who wins the Stanley Cup. Besides the die hard hockey fans who really follows hockey before Christmas, especially in America?

Interestingly enough the NHL's television deal with NBC and some other American networks doesn't kick in until January (Winter Classic). The majority of fans, players and owners could care less about the games in the first two months, which is why we will not see hockey before mid November at least! That may not be a bad thing for the NHL after all Americans are consumed by football, basketball and baseball until after Christmas anyways.

Remember a year ago when the NBA was going through the pains of working out a new CBA and we laughed at them for cancelling games before Christmas? Well the NBA season still worked out, in fact they had more viewers because of the shorter season and still made tons of money, not to mention no one even talks about their mini-lockout! It turns out Gary Bettman was paying a little to much attention to the NBA and wants try and imitate what they did.

When you really think about it, it makes perfect sense!  It explains why instead of taking every single chance to meet the two sides have cancelled several meetings, explains why the NHLPA took their sweet time sending a proposal to the league and explains why Bettman thinks the fans will be back.... because they returned to the NBA.

The only problem with Bettman's experiment is hockey isn't nearly as popular as the NBA. The NBA could afford to take that risk as roughly 8 million people tune in to watch games. The NBA unlike the NHL was not threatening their third lockout in the last 18 years. NBA fans have been loyal as a result they've been awarded with basketball. NHL fans are loyal yet are faced with our third lockout in less than 20 years. Sorry Mr. Between but your logic is off.

The NHL is playing a very dangerous game any sort of delay on the season will hurt the game. Good news for fans is Bettman and the league would be absolutely crazy to lose out on the winter classic. It's a major money-making event and a chance for the league to reach out to Americans. This year the winter classic features two of the largest hockey markets in Toronto and Detroit, two original 6 teams. If the NHL were not to have the game they would lose millions of dollars, something Bettman and the league wont let happen.

Whether we like it or not the first two months of the season mean nothing to veteran players, owners or Bettman. If the NHL can figure a way of getting out of the first two months they will take that opportunity, even if it means a lockout/work stoppage. After seeing the NBA still have a successful season despite not starting till December, Bettman and the NHL want to see if it will work for them. After all the average fan would rather watch a game that has playoff implications rather than a meaningless game.

They say "Imitation is the sincerest from of flattery" and it appears the NHL is trying to follow the path the NBA took last season; Who cares about the first 2 months?

What You Need to Know September 7

Welcome back to another edition of " What You Need to Know" where I go over multiple stories you may have missed over the past week.

• 1 year since Lokomotiv tragedy... some horrid details arise

It's a sombre time around the NHL, theres uncertainty about the CBA and today marks the 1 year anniversary of the Russian plane crash that claimed the lives of 45 people including the players from the KHL hockey team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. It was a Wednesday afternoon when the team boarded their Yak-42 plane, the plane did not leave the runway properly and as a result could not gain altitude while in the air. at 4:05 local Russian time, the plane hit a radio tower and landed in the Volga River. The plane immediately burst into flames and claimed the lives of 43 of the 45 passengers on board. The two survivors of the crash later died in hospital due to their severee burns. Here's a great story on the one year anniversary.

On Thursday evening I was watching SportsNet when they began to talk about the crash and illegallysome details that had emerged from an investigation into the accident. What I heard sent chills down my back. The two pilots flying that Yak-42 plane shouldn't have been in charge. One of the pilots forcified his flying papers while the other had not finished his flying certification. Meaning the two pilots were illegally flying the aircraft. The fact that this horrible tragedy could have been avoided had they had proper pilots is sad. For these two pilots to be allowed to fly with innocent people on bored is just wrong and careless by the KHL and the airport. The darkest day in hockey history just got a little darker.

• 7 days till September 15th deadline

Until Friday morning the NHL and NHLPA had taken a recess from meetings after the league did accept the players latest proposal. But the two sides decided to put their differences aside and met for 2.5 hours on Friday. One can only hope that the two sides meeting for so long can only be positive. The players themselves were not involved in the meetings but are planning on arriving in New York sometime next week. The attempts of the meetings today were to "close the gap" between the two sides.

• Little ball of hate staying in Boston

announced mere minutes ago the Boston Bruins and Brad Marchand have agreed to a 4 year extension worth $18 million that will keep the little ball of hate in Boston through to 2017. The deal will have an annual cap hit of $4.5 million each season. This is a fantastic deal for the Bruins, who keep one of their key character players who along with Milan Lucic plays a true "Boston Bruins" style of hockey. Marchand played a major role in helping the team win the Stanley Cup in 2011.

• Shane Doan staying in the desert?

News broke Thursday evening that Shane Doan has a verbal commitment to resign with the Phoenix Coyotes. Under normal circumstances a verbal agreement would mean next to nothing, but Doan has made it clear his first choice is to stay with the Coyotes.

"We have a deal worked out, that we just want to make sure the team gets signed, and everything gets done, and it gets done before the 15th (of September). ~ Shane Doan

There was little doubt that the Coyotes captain who became a free agent in July would actually leave the desert. To cover all the bases Doan visited with the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks (amongst others), but things got interesting when an anonymous Eastern Conference team offered Doan a 4 year deal worth $30 million. Bur it appears to be all for not for teams hoping to land Doan;

"The Coyotes have been more than fair to me in their offer as well. Obviously to pick up your family and move would be difficult. And I've stated to anyone that has ever listened this whole time, my goal is to stay in Phoenix. And until I believe that the team is in that much trouble, then I was going to do everything I could to make it so that I had a chance to stay here."

• Bruins sign Malcolm Subban

The Boston Bruins have signed  their top pick from the 2012 draft goaltender Malcolm Subban to a 3-year entry level contract.

• Senators resign Smith

The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Zack Smith 4 year contract extension which will see the young centre make roughly $1.9 million a season.

"It's very exciting. I got a call from my agent two weeks ago saying Ottawa was interested in doing a long-term deal. It's pretty exciting and very flattering that they want me around for another four years. I couldn't be more happy to get the deal done. It's a great ending to the summer."~ Zack Smith

Smith has played 152 career games and has 20 goals and 18 assists during parts of 4 seasons. He's a solid 3rd line centre and should help enhance the Senators offence.

• Avalanche name surprising young star captain

Many including myself expected Matt Duchene to be named the next captain of the Avalanche, but instead the team turned to young rookie Gabriel Landeskog. He made the team as an 18 year old and captured the Calder Trophy as top rookie after a productive season of racking up 52 points and led the team with 22 goals.

"I was a little bit shocked at first. I didn’t expect this at all, especially this early in my career. But I feel like I’m ready for it and this organization feels like I’m ready for it." ~ Gabriel Landeskog

Landeskog becomes the youngest player to be named captain at 19 years and 286 days, beating Penguins captain Sidney Crosby by 11 days. A few eyes were raised by naming him captain with only 1 full season under his belt, but it will give him and the new young core time to grow together.

"It’s something you dream about as a kid, just being a part of an organization like the Avs and getting the honour to put the "C" on with the history that this club has, It's a pretty humbling experience. I’m really excited and I’m looking forward to the challenge."

• Roberto Luongo has a firm destination in mind

The disgraced Vancouver Canucks goalie has once again reiterated the fact he wants to be a Panther;

"[The Panthers] makes sense for myself, for my career and my family. This is a preferred location for obvious reasons. "Obviously, I want to start. That's a given," ~Roberto Luongo

Where Luongo will end up going when dealt from the Canucks is an unknown. It's obvious he can't stay in Vancouver with Cory Schnieder but the Canucks are having a tough time trying to get a team to take his monster contract.

That'll do it for this weeks edition!

CBA Deadlock

 

By now I'm sure you've heard the NHL (Gary Bettman and the owners) did not accept the NHLPA's second offer on Friday. As a result the talks have been



recessed and the two sides have not met since. Bettman said the league would not accept a deal that didn't include a salary deduction for the players, funny howhockey players are the least payed professional athletes.

When I read the news on twitter that the owners had not accepted the proposal my heart instantly dropped. Time is running out and with both sides seemingly far apart, now more than ever we face the prospect of a third lockout in 18 years. With just 11 days left until the September 15th deadline, it's time we take a look at what the sides are really wanting from each other.

Here's a few valid points each side has in this never ending battle over who will back down first.. the millionaires or the billionaires.

NHL

Let's start with the owners. Right now whether the players like it or not the ball is in the owners court. For the owners it's not about the love of the game, it's about how much money they can make and how little they can pay the players. The league made a record $3.3 billion last season, but the owners are crying poor?

• The owners and the league believe they deserve a bigger cut of the pie known as revenue. Right now the players own 57% percent of the generated revenue, compared to the leagues 43%. That's a pretty significant difference between the two sides. The other reason they want a bigger piece of the pie is to share with some of the smaller market teams who are on the verge of going bankrupt.


• The owners and Gary Bettman believe that they pay the players too much money. In reality yes they do, no professional athlete should be making more than $5 million a year in any sport, period! They are payed to a play a game that millions of little kids play for free. But in terms of professional sports the players are underpaid. Take NFL quarterback Peyton Manning for example. He's arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, his salary is $18 million a year where as Sidney Crosby one of the best players in the NHL makes a mere $9 million a year. No Mr. Bettman you don't pay your athletes too much money.


• The owners are wanting to put a cap on the length of contracts offered to players. Right now we're seeing some very long deals that have players locked up for 12-13 years, the owners are wanting to rope those contracts back down to 5 year deals. Thus brings us to the point of why the owners, who want to shorten the contracts, have been handing out contracts ranging from 6-12 years right before the CBA? They have too. Let's say hypothetically the Pittsburgh Penguins only wanted to give Crosby a 5 year deal but he demanded a deal closer to 10. If the Penguins don't sign him for 10 years another team would gladly sign him. Which is why the owners (despite looking like hypocrites) are handing out long deals, if they don't another team will.

NHLPA

Next we move to the players, who don't really have much to fight over other than the fact the league is trying to take more money.

• The players union feels like they lost in the CBA negotiations back in 2004-2005. They feel like the NHL got a better deal and pushed around the players union. To insure that this would not be the case again this season they hired Donald Fehr. The players refuse to lose this time around. On twitter and in the news you hear the players saying they want a "Fair deal", all they want is whats fair. Problem is there is nothing fair in business and the world of sports.


• The players do not want a deduction in the revenue they earn from the league. Things included in this revenue are; ticket sales, jersey sales and memorabilia etc. Since the last lockout ticket prices have been raised 40%! The players believe they deserve the biggest cut of this pie, after all the fans are paying to see the players play.


• The players are fighting desperately to win these CBA negotiations. They can't afford to lose again to the owners.

The sad thing is both sides are fighting because they don't know what to do with all the money they made last season. It was the NHL's best season and helped them land network deals with NBC and HBO (winter classic) deals with these larger markets would almost guarantee bigger profit next season. But the owners are willing to risk their TV deals just because they don't know how to handle the money now.

Take a minute to watch this fantastic fan made video, it will give you chills. Alone us fans have no voice but together we make a sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWQs3O_IDas&feature=player_embedded

Bettman and the owners believe they can do anything they want and the players should just have to accept it. That may have worked in 2004 but it sure wont fly this time around. Hockey isn't about the money, it's about the moments and the memories that last a lifetime. Please give the fans the game they love and forget fighting over the money.

NHL Presents 2nd Offer

 

The CBA negotiating saga is still ongoing and with roughly 19 days left till the September 15th deadline the NHL has finally submitted to the NHLPA their 2nd offer. Only hitch, there really isn't anything new in the offer.

As much as people don't like Gary Bettman you have to give credit where credit is do. He's not stupid, he's a lawyer and he doesn't like to lose. Instead of catering to the NHLPA's demands with his second offer he decided to "re-arrange" the league initial offer. His plan seems to have worked, Donald Fehr head of the NHLPA said on Tuesday he was pleasantly surprised with the leagues second offer.

The only good news about the leagues proposal is the players would make $460 million more than the owners suggested in the original deal, everything else is just "re-worded".

• The NHL has come up with a 6 year deal, 3 of those years will result in a fixed salary cap and the final 3 will return to the cap being based on the league revenue. players would earn 51.6% in 2012-13, 50.5% in 2013-14 and 49.6% in 2014-15. In the final three years, the players and owners would split revenue 50-50.


• This offer does not include rollbacks on current contracts. Meaning players like Sidney Crosby will still get all the money the were promised.


• The league is asking the players to give back 11 percent which would set the salary cap at $58 million, $12 million less than it would have been under the current CBA. Not mention 16 current teams are already over $58 million.


• The players revenue share is 46% up from the original 43%


• The NHL would also like the players salaries to go towards escrow, this point here pretty much rules out any real significant changes between the first deal and the second deal.

The Fehr accompanied by 11 players met with the NHL today to present their alternatives and further debate the second proposal. It appears the players didn't have the same feelings of optimism about the "improved" deal;

"We’re ready to play. We want to play. But Gary'’s pretty adamant about his third lockout of his tenure.” ~ Zach Parise

Very powerful statement by Parise, gives fans a little insight on what the players are thinking about the CBA negotiations. Unfortunately for the players, right now the NHL has the power.

Fehr says the players will work on a second counterproposal which may be ready as early as tomorrow. But he still claims both sides are far apart on revenue sharing. The biggest thing separating to the two sides is the revenue sharing or the "pie" as the two sides refer to it.

"Before you divide up the pie,need to remove some of what is included in the pie" ~ Donald Fehr

The good news for fans, is both sides seem to have found some common ground, pie. Both sides are hung up of the revenue share and how much of the pie their side will get. With the latest deal the NHLPA would get 46% of the pie while the NHL would get 54%. Here's a remarkable idea why not share the pie 50/50?

The players still feel like the league is trying to take "money out of their pockets" and are concerned about a new 6 year deal. But good news for fans is both sides seem to have found some common ground and are starting to focus their negotiations on getting a deal done. While the clock is still ticking both sides still refuse to accept a straight deal without compromise. But as long as they're talking it has to be good news right?

My prediction

• The Players will be the ones to backdown and accept a deal


• We will not see a full season lockout but will see a work stoppage, resulting in a shortened season.

 

CBA Update

I really wish I had good news to pass on to you all, but Gary Bettman doesn't want me to. The majority of fans agree that the CBA talks are moving too slowly, the two sides met last Wednesday and were supposed to meet all day Wednesday. Notice I said supposed to meet Wednesday. While Donald Fehr and Bettman did meet to discuss their feelings over the negotiations Wednesday morning, they decided to call off the NHL/ NHLPA meetings that were supposed to take place Wednesday afternoon.The negotiations are expected to continue Thursday morning.

The two sides met for two hours on Wednesday morning. The purpose of the meeting? To get everyones thoughts on the negotiations;

"I think more than anything else it was to review where we are in the process, where we've come from, where we are with the various proposals and to determine how to move the process forward in the best way possible" ~ Bill Daly

With just under a month until the deadline, there doesn't appear to be much urgency from either side. Cancelling meetings is no way to work out a new deal. It was rumoured that during the two hour meeting, which included the top executives from both sides, that revenue sharing was once again the major topic. Bettman and the league have upped the players share of revenue to 6 percent slightly raised from their initial 4.5 percent.

Key point to be addressed today in #CBA negotiations,REVENUE SHARING.Reported NHL proposal moves it from $150M (4.5%) to $190 (6%).NHLPA

— Aaron Ward (@aaronward_nhl) August 22, 2012

CBA talks will hopefully resume Thursday morning and continue for the majority of the day. Fans should have a better idea on where the two sides stand by the end of the week. Right now it's a game of who will blink first: the millionaires or the billionaires.

 

Players Thoughts On A Lockout

The invention of twitter has been great for hockey fans. It allows fans to share their thoughts on teams, players and gives them an opportunity to meet other hockey fans. But lately NHL players are starting to use twitter to update and stay in touch with their fans. Every so often fans get lucky and NHL players will tweet what is on their mind. With NHL commissioner Gary Bettman talking about a possible lockout both fans and players are up in arms and lucky for us some players have taken to twitter to express their feelings.

*Listed below are tweets directly from NHL players*

The @nhl says they won’t play past Sept 15th under current deal. Apparently they don’t like the deal they designed. #CBA #nhlpa2012
— Henrik Lundqvist (@HLundqvist30) August 10, 2012

Sad to see Bettman bring up the words LOCKOUT, it was tough on everyone staff, arena people, and the FANS in 2004. The game is to Good!
— Steve Ott (@otter2nine) August 9, 2012

Disappointed the League is talking about a lockout before we even give our @nhlpa counterproposal. #theplayers
— Brandon Prust (@BrandonPrust8) August 10, 2012

Still training hard for the season ahead. Hope Gary Bettman wasn't serious about a lockout. #theplayers @nhlpa
— Michael Cammalleri (@MCammalleri13) August 10, 2012

A lockout is only one option and never a solution #fansdeservebetter #theplayers @nhlpa
— daniel winnik (@Danwinnik34) August 10, 2012

The word lockout should be mentioned on Sept 15 and then only. Plenty of time for a solution. Seems like Gary is eager for the "hat-trick".
— Joffrey Lupul (@JLupul) August 10, 2012

Tough hearing the word lockout. Players just want what's fair. #NHLPA #theplayers
— Logan Couture (@Logancouture) August 11, 2012

 There you have it, straight from the horses mouth. Players thoughts on the lockout, while this is just a small sample of players one could only imagine many are feeling the same way... fed up!

Here's three things to take away from the tweets:

1. The majority of players are upset over the fact their side (the NHLPA) hasn't even submitted a counteroffer to the league and already Bettman is talking about a lockout. If anything the September 15th deadline should come as a wake up call to players. The players and Donald Fehr need to stop monkeying around and submit their side. Is it fair to talk about a lockout without hearing both sides? Not really, but considering how long the players are taking something needed to be said.

2. The players genuinely don't want a lockout. Take away all the money and endorsement deals, when it comes down to it the players are playing the game because they love it. Sure money can get in the way of that, but if they didn't love the game they wouldn't be in the NHL. The players aren't exactly dumb, they know another lockout would really hurt the game and the fans. A third lockout in 17 could turn a lot of fans away from the game, some may not come back.
At the end of the day the players just want to play hockey. Sure they need to make money for their families, but playing is the most important thing. But because of the two sides trying to hammer out a new CBA, they players don't have much of a voice. Unless Fehr gets a deal he likes out of Bettman chances are the lockout will drag on, no matter what the players say.

3. The players have a lot of hostility towards Bettman. Sure he is their antagonist trying to lower their pay and keeping them out of the game. But you have to think, if it wasn't up to the NHL owners maybe Bettman would have been fired by now..

Life Without Hockey

Gary Bettman announced to the media Thursday, that he fully intends to lock the players out if there is no deal reached by September 15th. Looks like a long offseason may become much longer.

"Time is running short and the owners are not prepared to operate under this collective bargaining agreement for another season, so we need to get to making a deal and doing it soon," ~ Gary Bettman


Bettman's comments come after his counterpart NHLPA leader Donald Fehr had said the players were willing to go into training camps without a deal by September 15th. Clearly Bettman has a different idea.

Bettman's comments will do one of two things. One way to look at the comments is as Bettman trying to light a fire under the NHLPA. The league and owners submitted their idea for the CBA to the NHLPA weeks ago, but the NHLPA has yet to submit their counterproposal to the league. The September 15th deadline leaves just 5 weeks for the two sides to hammer out a deal and with the NHLPA expected to submit their offer on Tuesday hopefully the two sides will be eager to make a deal. Bettman was obviously not happy with how long Fehr was taking visiting players in Russia and around the world, so he decided enough is enough. Either submit your counter offer or be ready for a lockout.

The other thing that could happen is obvious, five weeks isn't enough time for the two sides to fix out all the "kinks" in a new deal. Therefore if one side is unwilling to back down we WILL see a lockout. With the September 15th deadline talks must happen quickly and swiftly in order for a deal to get done, the slightest hiccup or resistance from one side will result in missing the deadline.

Hopefully for hockey fans it's the first option that happens. Fehr and the players feel the fire lit under them and are eager to get a deal done.

It is odd however that Bettman would come out and firmly state they meet the deadline or no hockey as another lockout would only further tarnish his reputation. If the 2012-2013 season does begin with a lockout, it will be the third lockout under the leadership of Bettman. 3 lockouts in 17 years, not exactly a great legacy.

But what worries me most (and should worry you too) is not who's right, because frankly their both rich and greedy men who don't want to back down. But the worst part of the impending lockout is the NHL's reputation. Sure there are some die hard hockey fans that will be sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for the league to come back, but what about all the fringe fans or the fans we lost in the last lockout? The majority of people are just going to move on and find other things to watch and do while the NHL is on strike, but who says they'll come back?
The NHL still has not recovered from the last lockout. Lot's of fans stopped watching and caring about hockey. What turns a lot of people off is the fact that the league owners and the players are already millionaires yet they still want more money. Heck that even turns me off! Why do millionaires need to fight over more money, just play the game you're payed millions to play!
If Bettman sticks to his "deadline" and there is a lockout, the NHL will lose millions of fans who may never come back.

Let's use the Toronto Maple Leafs as a prime example. It's been 8 years since the Leafs were last in the playoffs. There is now a whole generation of Leafs fans that haven't seen or don't remember them being in the playoffs. Pretty soon young kids will not want to support the Leafs. With another lockout it will become 9 years (7 seasons) which means kids that are 12-15 won't remember the Leafs in the playoffs. Who want's to cheer for a team that to their memory hasn't made the playoffs?

Hockey in America is already struggling. The majority of Americans would rather watch football or basketball before hockey on any given day. Take away the third option they're still left with football and basketball which they prefer anyways. If you take away hockey all together people are going to lose interest in the sport. What kind of professional league has 3 lockouts in 17 years?!?

The sad thing, there is really no need for a lockout. It shouldn't be this difficult for two sides to come together and workout a new agreement. The players got tired of being pushed around by Bettman, as a result they hired one of the toughest negotiators in sports. Now we have two power hungry men who don't want to backdown and as a result innocent fans are going to get hurt.

While I'd like to remain optimistic about a deal getting down, it's not looking good. Week by week the chances of the 2012-2013 season starting on time are slipping away, hopefully if they don't start on time they will at least start.
Fans take advantage of the lack of professional hockey and head down to watch your local AHL, OHL, CHL or junior team so you can see players who actually play for the love of the game!

What You Need to Know July 27

Welcome to another edition of "What You Need to Know". You know the drill, I take you through all the important stories from the world of hockey over the past week and get you guys caught up. I'm also catching myself up this week, as I've been a little under the weather. Here we go!

• Shea Weber

Let's start off with the biggest story. The Nashville Predators decided to match the offer sheet Weber had signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. This means Weber will be staying in the music city for the next 14 years and with $110 Million chasing out a major pay check as it is the 2nd highest contract in the league. (Behind Alexander Ovechkin). This was a huge deal and a must happen move by the Predators. They already lost their 2nd best defenceman in Ryan Suter, and they stood on the verge of losing their number one defenceman and captain. The Predators said it best

"The most important hockey transaction  in franchise history"

It was sign Weber and maintain a team capable of making the playoffs or lose Weber and begin a long rebuild. But it dives deeper than just the effect this signing has on Weber. The Predators have in turn sent a positive message to all remaining Preds showing the team is not afraid to sign a long term deal, money is no issue and they are committed to keeping their captain. It also shows other teams around the league the Predators will not be "bullied" by owners with deep pockets, stealing away their players.

Another detail that many forget is the fact Weber didn't really want to leave the Predators. When news broke originally that he signed an offer sheet with the Flyers, many instantly started saying he was bailing on the team. The reason he signed the offer sheet with the Flyers was to push the Predators into giving him a deal. Weber is their captain, no way he'd want to bail on the team. Weber was after some security and perhaps even a bigger pay day. In August of 2011 Weber was awarded a one year contract worth $7.5 million. He didn't want the Predators to toy around with his rights, he forced them to make up their mind. Thankfully this deal worked out for both the Predators and Shea Weber.

• Rick Nash

Did I mention it was a crazy week for players signing and changing teams? The Rick Nash saga is finally over. The Blue Jackets traded Nash along with a third round draft pick and Steven Delisle to the Rangers in exchange for Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky and Tim Erixon. Talk about highway robbery.

The thing I love most about this deal, has nothing to do with the deal itself. It's the fact the Rangers were able to give up "little" to get a fairly skilled player in Nash. Which will translate to the rest of the league and make the asking "prices" for other players (especially those who ask for trades) much cheaper. Hopefully this deal will reset the market and get asking prices back to normal.

I do feel bad for the Blue Jackets who were put in a catch 22 scenario, as Nash wanted out but would only go to select teams. Ultimately they lost this deal, but that's what happens when you ask for the moon.

• Alexander Semin

Free agent Alexander Semin has finally chosen a destination, and he's joining a team poised to make a serious Cup run next season. No it's not the Pittsburgh Penguins who were rumoured to be in on the Russian sniper, it's the surprise Carolina Hurricanes. The two sides agreed to terms on a one year deal worth $7 million. While the Hurricanes may have over payed for the former Capital who was stuck in Ovechkin's shadow, they are certainly making all the right moves to make a solid run next season. Semin joins Jordan Staal who was also acquired this offseason and other elite players in Cam Ward and Jeff Skinner.

Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Alexander Semin, Jeff Skinner, and Jussi Jokinen.... Should I become a Carolina Hurricanes fan?
— Neal Burgess (@Porkn7) July 26, 2012

Teams in the Eastern Conference have gone to great lengths to improve their teams. The Flyers although missing out on Suter and Zach Parise are throwing contracts at every player who can skate, the Hurricanes are poised for a solid season, the Rangers may have added that one key piece they were missing and the Sabres added two solid prospects in the draft. Maybe the Penguins will have some competition as the Eastern Conference power houses.

The Carolina Hurricanes have added Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin this summer.. I think there's a new force in the East #Canes
— Michael Martin (@OhMyReeses) July 26, 2012

With both Nash and Semin off the market the biggest fish left is Shane Doan.

• Horton Cleared for contact

Huge news for Boston Bruins fans Nathan Horton who has been out since January due to a concussion has been given medical Clarence to begin participating in contact drills. Not having Horton hurt the Bruins offensively last season and by getting a healthy version of him back would be like adding a top 6 forward. Horton played a major part in the Bruins Stanley Cup victory and without him in the lineup the Bruins went 18-16-2 compared to 31-13-2 prior to his concussion.

This was Horton's 2nd concussion in six months, so the Bruins wanted to take extra care while waiting for him to become fully recovered. Huge news for the Bruins and a sigh of relief for Horton.

• Claude Julien sticking around

Sticking with the Bruins, they announced on Monday they had extended the contract of head coach Claude Julien. While the Bruins refused to say how long the extension was, GM Peter Chiarelli stressed how important it was to keep the core that won the cup in 2011 and that included the coach.

"We feel we've come a long way toward keeping the critical mass together for this team, because we feel it's a strong team and continues to be a strong team. One of the core components in this critical mass is sitting beside me, our coach, Claude Julien."

Yakupov signs with Oilers

The first overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft has signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers. The deal insures he will stay in the NHL and not depart for the KHL (if there was any doubt). Yakupov joins Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as the Oilers trio of first round draft picks.

• NHLPA vs. NHL

Let's talk about the big boys, if they don't get their issues worked out in time we wont have a chance to watch stars playing for their new teams. The NHLPA is bringing some of their concerns to the table.

NHL/NHLPA met yesterday. Player pensions, length of training camp and ice conditions were topics of conversation.NHLexpertpicks.com
— NHL Expert Picks (@NHLexpertpicks) July 27, 2012

Some of the issues discussed haven't been addressed sing the 90's and the players feel they need to change in the next CBA. There is also talk that NHL veterans don't want to participate in all the pre-season games.

That'll do it for your update this week folks. Remember there are just 76 days until the puck drops!