How the Winter Classic Will Save the NHL Season

With the NHL and NHLPA still unable to agree upon a new CBA, frustration is growing and optimism about a new season is quickly fading. But there is one big money making event that may save what hope is left for some hockey during the 2012-2013 season. That event is the Winter Classic. The one time during the season when teams take the game back to where it started, outdoors.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is threatening to cancel the outdoor game if the two sides are still unable to make a deal. But is he bluffing or actually serious? Right now Bettman has to be bluffing, the last thing he should want is to have to cancel the leagues biggest revenue generating event. Today it was announced that the league has cancelled games through to the end of November but still no mention of the Winter Classic. There is rumbling that the WC will get axed on Monday or Tuesday of next week, but it is likely a bluff.

The biggest reason the two sides are fights is because they can't figure out a way to divide up hockey related revenue, a word i'm sure all hockey fans are sick of by now. Why would the commissioner want to cancel the event that provides them with the most revenue? Both sides have been using the WC as a bargaining chip  and a way to get fan support, it's been suggested by both sides that the season could even kickoff with the outdoor game. Realistically there is probably room to leave the WC scheduled until mid November. The rink could be constructed in no time, the fans who have already shelled out money for tickets would be more than happy to show up and because this is the 6th edition of the event fans know it's happening and will tune in.

Here's 3 reasons why the Winter Classic is too valuable to cancel.

1. Revenue

The last two Winter Classic games made $30 and $36 million respectively, not including the $300 million in television deals, big money for the NHL. The outdoor games are averaging roughly 4.1 million people, one of the most viewed games in the entire season. With this years game those totals are expected to grow and hit record numbers with two historic teams facing off. There is an expected attendance of 115,000 (most ever), dollar signs are everywhere. Between the old fashioned jerseys, pictures, memorabilia, tickets and food there is all kinds of money to be made at these unique games and because of the uniqueness of the outdoor game fans are driven to come out and watch. If the Winter Classic does get cancelled Detroit will be out roughly $80 million.

2. Historic Rivalry. 

One thing that hasn't happened in the Winter Classic yet is the inclusion of a hockey team from north of the boarder, a distant land called Canada. This year pro American Bettman finally caved by allowing the Toronto Maple Leafs, arguably the most historic franchise in NHL history, to play in the WC. It was about time Bettman did something that showed his support for hockey in Canada and as a result made Canadian hockey fans, especially Leaf fans, extremely happy. On top of naming the Leafs as one of the teams to play in the outdoor game he also named the Detroit Red Wings another historic franchise from south of the boarder. The Leafs and Red Wings are both original 6 teams and have quite a history between each other dating back to 1926, oddly enough the Leafs have won more games (1,387) than the Wings (1,347) who have built themselves a dynasty.

For those people who can't stand Bettman (myself included) you have to admit he isn't a fool. The Red Wings and Leafs have two of the largest and most dedicated fan bases in the entire league. I mean what other fans would still cheer for a team who hasn't made the playoffs in 7 years? The number of people north of the boarder that would tune in to watch the game or even make the trek down to Detroit would be fantastic and would only help generate more money. Having the Leafs and Red Wings in the Winter Classic is a recipe for success.

Television Deals

The other bonus to having the Winter Classic and turning it into a large event is the television deals and sponsors that want to support. The NBC and NHL have a $200 million contract providing that they have sole right to the game, a pretty penny to pay for such exclusive rights. The game is big for NBC and the NHL because fans, especially in America, begin to tune into the NHL around the end of December and as a result NBC's coverage of the NHL goes into full force from the Winter Classic to the Stanley Cup Finals. The American television network carries many large events and doesn't like to get "screwed" and by cancelling the Winter Classic and the season the NHL could potentially make a major enemy with one of the largest American broadcasters. Not exactly the way to help grow the sport south of the boarder. Not to mention the new feature that gives fans a behind the scenes look into the two teams participating in the Classic with HBO's 24/7 coverage, another money maker and creative way to entice fans.

What started as a fun experiment has turned into a great business venture for the NHL. The Winter Classic games draw the fans out, even fans that wouldn't regularly watch tune in to see the great game going back to it's roots. The Winter Classic is a wild card during these negotiations nether the owners, players nor fans want to lose the game and at the end of the day the owners would be stupid to let the Winter Classic game be cancelled. The money and popularity lost would hurt the game and maybe push Bettman out of a job.

 

 

Free Agency Update July 3rd

It's officially been 2 days since Free Agency began on July 1, we've seen a dozens of players sign new deals with new teams and even some return to their old teams. While we are still waiting on the big fish Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. Once these two decide where they want to spend the rest of their career Free Agency will really kick into a frenzy as teams who lost the bid on the big two will be looking for second best.

 P-A Parenteau signs 4 year deal with Colorado
One of the top free agents this offseason Parenteau went off the market on the first day. Signing a 4 year $16 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

Jonas Gustavsson signs 2 year deal with Detroit
It's been a crazy week for Gustavsson. The Toronto Maple Leafs traded his rights to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a 7th round draft pick. Gustavsson then decided he didn't want to stay in Winnipeg and was signed to a 2 year $3 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. A fantastic opportunity for the young goaltender. He gets out of dodge with the media, gets the backup role on a solid team and will get to face against his former team in the Winter Classic.

Paul Gaustad signs 4 year extension with Nashville
This one pains me to right a little bit. Sabres fans were hoping that their beloved Gaustad would return to Buffalo after the season, unfortunately he's staying in Nashville. Gaustad signed a 4 year $13 million contract extension to stay with the Predators. Smart signing by the Preds who will be losing many players through free agency.

Justin Schultz signs 2 year deal with Edmonton
Finally the drama surrounding a kid who has never played an NHL game is over. Schultz made his decision and decided to head to the Oiler to "grow old" with their star young players. The Oilers have young skilled players, that are going to be extremely talented when they hit their prime. Look out for the Oilers in the future.

Colby Armstrong signs 1 year deal with Montreal
Much like Gustavsson the Leafs were hard on Armstrong this week. The Leafs decided Armstrong just wasn't going to work out in Toronto after two injury plagued seasons, that limited him to just 78 games.
The Leafs bought out the rest of Armstrong's contract and placed him on waivers to become a free agent. Armstrong didn't wait long signing a deal with the Canadiens for $1 million.

Ray Whitney signs 2 year deal with Dallas
The ageless wonder is at it again. At 40 years of age many teams were hesitant to give Whitney the extra year he wanted. So when the Stars agreed to give him 2 years worth $9 million he signed on the dotted line.

Brad Boyes signs 1 year deal with the New York Islanders
As a Sabres fan I am perfectly fine with Boyes leaving town. He had one good year and has not been productive or helpful for the Sabres in the last couple of years. It was time for him to go. Boyes signed a 1 year deal worth $1 million.

Zenon Konopka signs 2 year deal with Minnesota
Was interesting to see Konopka leave Ottawa. Konopka signs a 2 year $1.85 Million contract with the Wild.

Dustin Penner resigns with the Los Angeles Kings
After winning his 2nd Stanley Cup ring, Penner has decided he will stay a King for the next year.
Penner and the Kings agreed to terms on a 1 year $3.25 million contract. Smart move for both parties.

Matt Carkner signs 3 year deal with the New York Islanders
The Islanders made quite a few moves on July 1st, one of whihc was landing tough guy Matt Carkner. The Islanders and Carkner agreed to a 3 year $4.5 million contract.

Brandon Prust signs 4 year deal with Montreal
The Canadiens felt they were too weak and needed to add some character players. In addition to the signing of Armstrong, they signed tough guy Brandon Prust to a 4 year deal worth $10 million. Prust is a solid addition to the Canadiens, although he'll be missed in New York.

Filip Kuba signs 2 year deal with Florida
Ottawa had a rough time during the start of free agency as they lost a lot of their "role" players. Kuba is another player they lost. Kuba signed a contract with the Panthers and cashed in on a deal worth $8 million.

Olli Jokinen signs 2 year deal with Winnipeg
It had to be tough for the Flames to lose Jokinen. The Jets needed a centre so they found their man in Jokinen. The two sides agreed to a 2 year $9 million contract.

Joey Crabb signs 1 year deal with Washington
Crabb has left Toronto and as a result is getting a nice pay day. The Capitals signed the defenceman to a 1 year $950 thousand contract.

Jack Hillen signs a 1 year deal with Washington
Considering the fact I have never heard of Jack Hillen I wouldn't normally post his name here. But big news from me, I will be on a conference call with him later this afternoon!

Martin Brodeur signs 2 year extension with New Jersey 
Raise your hand if you thought Brodeur would leave the only team he's ever known. Now kindly lower  your hand and get your head examined. The reason he hired an agent and said he wanted to "Test free agency" is because he wasn't getting enough attention. There is another Devils player by the name of Parise who is tying up all the contract talks, Brodeur wanted to make sure he got a fair shake. He agreed to a 2 year $9 million contract, so he may finish his career as a Devil.

John Scott signs 1 year deal with Buffalo
The Buffalo Sabres wanted to get tougher this offseason, so in order to that they needed to sign a 6 foot 8 defenceman. Scott joins Tyler Myers and Joe Finley as the trio of 6 foot 8 players on the Sabres roster. Scott and the Sabres agreed to a 1 year deal worth $600 thousand.

Jiri Hudler signs 4 year deal with Calgary
The long time Red Wing is on his way north of the boarder. The Flames wanted to shake the team up this offseason to try and make the playoffs. The signing of Hudler helps that for sure. The Flames agreed to a 4 year $16 million contract.

Jason Garrison signs 6 year deal with Vancouver
The last signing I'll talk about in this post, which just so happens to be the biggest (in terms of length). The Canucks and Garrison agreed to a 6 year deal worth $27.6 million.

Who knows maybe by day 4 we will have a decision on where Parise and Suter have decided to play out there careers and then Free Agency can really get kicked into a frenzy!

Trading Leafs

It's the time of the season where trade rumours are kicking up, I previously covered the Sabres Trade Rumours so now it's time to cover the trade options of the Toronto Maple Leafs or as GM Brian Burke likes to call them, "the center of the hockey universe". (As a side note: The worst kept secret in hockey since the last winter classic in Philly, was the 2013 Winter Classic. It was rumored and pretty much a done deal that the Toronto Maple Leafs would face the Detroit Red Wings in the 2013 Winter Classic in Detroit. But the event became official today, in a press conference held by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, and the two GM's Brian Burke and Ken Holland; The game will be back to it's original date of January 1st and will be played at the famous Michigan stadium, Jerseys and logo's have yet to be released but will be released in the next few months. So that will be a great event for the NHL, having two original six teams battle it out in the great outdoors where the game began.) But back on topic for todays blog, possible trade options for the Leafs.

It is very likely Burke will NOT make a major trade, at or during the Trade Deadline. The Leafs are right in the middle of a playoff hunt, currently sitting in 7th and are playing darn well, and you know what they say "don't mess with a good thing" and right now the Leafs are a good thing. The lines are gelling, the goalies are both playing well, and the kids on the ice give it their all every night, what more could you ask for? But still, I can't stop the blog here so, we must speculate and see what the crafty mind of Burke could be up to come February 27th I highly doubt we'll see another Dion Phaneuf deal. Just like the Sabres blog, I'll be looking at players Burke will trade and players he'll trade for.

Luke Schenn

Poor Luke Schenn, before the puck even dropped on the 2012 season his name was swirling around with rumors. Will he re-sign, will Burke trade him? Now 55 games into the season, Schenn's name is still the frontrunner for a trade come the deadline. The Leafs have more than their share of defenceman, when all are healthy there are two sitting in the press box, so Burke has to do something about his D. What Burke does need is forwards that consistently put the puck in the net, maybe if Schenn was more of an offensive minded d-man he could stay, but I think Schenn's time in Toronto is all but done. Right now it's looking like Schenn to the Flyers for James Van Reimsdyk, thus allowing Luke to be reunited with younger brother Brayden. Now no guarantees Schenn will be on his way out of town, as he's a solid young defenceman that could turn out to be quite the player once he has more time/experience. Another option for the young defenceman is Edmonton, trade Schenn to the Oilers for Sam Gagner, the way Gagner is scoring right now the Leafs would easily take him from the Oilers.

Mikhail Grabovski

Now Burke may be a little hesitant to trade Grabovski unless he was getting a super duper instant star in return. Grabo, is a pretty decent player and has been meshing well in Toronto and putting up the points. But he is a free agent at the end of the year, and his agent is in town telling Burke to either put up the money or kiss Grabovski goodbye. But Grabo is likely a player that would have to be included if the Leafs wanted to acquire the once rumoured Ryan Getzlaf from the Ducks.

Nikolai Kulemin and Clarke MacArthur

Burke has been shopping these two around for a while, but so far no bites on either. Kulemin had a career season last year playing with Grabovski, but has cooled off this season. Despite being a 3rd liner on the Leafs MacArthur actually has some pretty good trade value. Why? Because on most other teams he'd fit perfectly on the 2nd line, and be counted on to put up 50 points, in Toronto he's not counted on for that production, and is stuck on the 3rd line. The Leafs don't want a 3rd liner making 3.25 million a year.

Both Kulemin and MacArthur have picked up their play slightly as of late, so the asking price just went up a little.

Nazem Kadri

Although my opinion is not popular amongst Leaf fans, Kadri's time in Toronto is done! Burke has to be fed up with the kid, the Leafs are in dire need of a top notch scorer, something Kadri was supposed to be when he was drafted 7th in the 2009 draft. No that's not a typo 2009 was the year Kadri was drafted by Burke and he has failed to fully crack the Leafs roster, not to mention Burke didn't even want the kid, he got fooled into taking him after playing head games with some other GM's. Everyone was excited about how Kadri would make the Leafs right out of training camp finally, but just like in years past Kadri was one of the last cuts. In all fairness to Kadri it was mainly because he got hurt, but he still failed to make the opening day roster. I don't think Kadri is a complete waste, as he'd likely benefit from a change in scenery, new management and a place with a lot less media coverage. Now Kadri, himself wouldn't bring much back to the Leafs, so he'd likely be a throw in like Lupul was in the Jake Gardiner deal. But if Burke was able to get his hand on Bobby Ryan then trading Kadri would be a no brainer. Not to mention Burke has had his way with the Ducks and trades.

Matthew Lombardi
The Leafs got Lombardi for pretty much nothing, not to mention getting Franson in the deal. But Lombardi will never be much more than a 3rd liner for the Leafs. Much like with MacArthur, Lombardi is making way too much to be a 3rd liner, so it's time for Burke to dump his contract on another team. He's not really that good of a bottom six forward either, or at least not in Toronto, I think Burke could flip him for a 2nd rounder or another bottom 6 tough forward.

Now for the fun part seeing who Toronto could get in return :)

Bobby Ryan
I honestly don't think Burke will be able to pull off this deal, the Leafs don't have what the Ducks want in exchange for Ryan. Plus the Ducks are finally starting to play well, so trade talks have slowed down. All the talks about the Ducks being "blown up" have also died down. Meaning if the Leafs want Ryan they're going to have to pay big! It will likely take Grabovski, Schenn, Kadri and a pick to pry Ryan away from the Ducks, that's a lot of fire power right there, and Burke wouldn't be willing to part with all those assests if he wasn't getting a decent return. Although it would be fantastic to get Ryan in a Leafs Jersey I simply don't think it will happen, the asking price is too much. After the last trade with the Leafs, the Ducks may be a little hesitant to trade with the Buds again. (Fun fact, Burke is the GM who drafted Bobby Ryan, when he was the Ducks GM.)

James Van Reimsdyk

Now this trade has been rumored to be in the works for quite some time, but talks between the Leafs and Flyers have all but stopped. The Flyers would gladly take Luke Schenn to try to fill the void of veteran defenceman Chris Pronger. The Leafs would also love to have Van Reimsdyke, a young kid who can score, just what Burke wants plus he's locked up for another 6 seasons at just over 4 million. One slight issue, Van Reimsdyke has a history of concussions, and is currently recovering from one. It would likely take Schenn and a pick to get Van Reimsdyke out of Philly. To be honest I don't know if it's worth it, Reimsdyke has struggled this season, when he wasn't injured so he may not be an instant success in Toronto. Burke wants players that will help push the Leafs into the playoffs, not players who slack off.

Rick Nash

Another player who is fairly unhappy in Columbus. He's a long term veteran player who has never and will likely never have a chance to hoist the cup with the Blue Jackets. Many are saying Nash is fed up and wants out, and the Blue Jackets owe it to him to send him to a contending team.

Rick Nash + Huselius for Schenn + Kadri + Grabovski + a pick Now just like the trade for Bobby Ryan this is likely more than Burke would be willing to part with. Wouldn't take a lot of convincing to get Rick Nash to say yes to a trade out of Columbus.

Jeff Carter
Imagine if Burke was able to pull the trigger and get that number one center he's after. Jeff Carter would fit the bill perfectly, as he's more than ready to get out of Columbus. But let's have a reality check, there is almost no way that the Leafs can get their hands on Carter, there are way to many road blocks. First of all Carters contract is humungous, in order for Burke to be able to eat his contract is if he moves some other players first. Getting rid of Tim Connolly and his contract would help in getting Carter, but does Columbus want Connolly? The Leafs would have to give up way to much in return for Carter; a first round draft pick and a top six forward at least. (Grabovski, Bozak, Connolly)
Getting Carter to Toronto is nothing more than wishful thinking; too much money, too much to give up, and not the type of player Burke wants wearing the blue and white. He's a sulky, cry-baby type of player who was not happy leaving the Flyers.

A few other names include; Tuomo Ruutu, Sam Gagner, Ryan Malone, Ryan Getzlaf
But these are background deals that wouldn't really make a huge skake-up. Getzlaf would be too much money. Out of the list the 4, I could see Ruutu or Gagner suiting up in a Leafs jersey, not super expensive and both could benefit from a change of scenery.

But here's the kicker the Leafs DON'T need to make a deal, this team is just fine the way it is. As long as Reimer and Gustavsson keep playing well, this team should have no problem making it to the playoffs. The Leafs wouldn't enjoy a long stay but could at least drop in and say hello. The majority of players on the Leafs roster don't have playoff experience, so we don't know how they would do. There are always names that come out of nowhere to produce in the playoffs; we don't want to trade away a hidden gem. Above all else, this year's trade deadline is just a step toward building a true Stanley Cup contender.

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Head Shots

Its an age old problem that has been haunting the NHL for a while now. It just wont go away, its that nightmare you had everyday for a month when you where 6 or the notion that there were always monsters hiding under your bed, these things don't go away without effort. Effort was something the NHL was not willing to put in to stopping head shots; they came out with excuse after excuse; The games to fast, players are bound to get hurt. It took the NHL's number one player Sidney Crosby to go down with a concussion in order for the NHL to act, and now their doing everything to stop head shots! At a time when concussions and head injuries are growing both in the big leagues but also with little kids!! The NHL needs to step up and let fans know that hits targeting the head are not permitted!

The NHL has replaced Colin Campbell (who thought anyone in a bruins jersey was exempt fro the rules) with long Time Nhler Brendan Shanahan. His first real impact was changing rule 48 to add that any hit targeting the head, not just a east to west moving hit, can be given a major penalty and be subject for suspension!

Now Shanahan will have 2 opportunities to put his new rule variation into practice!
1 Illegal Check To The Head — A hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head is targeted and the principal point of contact is not permitted. However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was unavoidable, can be considered.1) a hit delivered from behind to leafs Darryl Boyce from flyers rough guy Jody Shelley. The hit broke Boyce's nose.
2) a hit delivered by Flames Letourneau- LeBlond on Canucks Matt Clackson this hit confused me a bit, but I will post video evidence of both hits.
I am not making this up for a story; Nick Kypreos, has tweeted that Shanahan will be having a meeting with both players.

The first one will be the Shelley hit on Boyce, since this hit is more clear to me :)
First off there is no doubt that this is a cheap shot. Boyce had just gotten rid of the puck and was totally defenseless. Second Shelley could have hit Boyce without driving his head into the boards. The hit was late and was absolute vicious, without a doubt Shelley was trying to hurt Boyce. I am fairly confident that Shelley will be suspended for this hit likely to sit the rest of preseason action, and some regular season games, Shelley just made himself the "poster Boy" for Shanahan's new rule.

Some other factors that go against Shelley; Its a preseason game and Shelley will likely not be playing in the NHL next season, Philly fans can't stand Shelley and want him off the roster immediately. Shelley did not do himself any favors with this hit. Shanahan has said he plans on giving stricter penalties for head shots, so now is the time for him to step up or shut up.
Right now Shanahan can set the tone for the rest of the season, if he lets Shelley go with no or minimal consequence, it will be another head hunting every man for himself type of season. If Shanahan lays down the law, guys just might think twice about hammering someone if their going to sit a good 10-15 games.

 The next hit with Letourneau-LeBlond, I don't 100% understand, I'll try to find a video, but most people were most interested in his marathon fight. Now if you look right at the BEGINNING of the video there is a little bit of a head contact hit, but I don't believe the hit was delivered by Letourneau- LeBlond, the person delivering the hit is #45 while the guy fighting is #24.
I did not see this hit in actual game circumstance, I saw it on hockey central when they said Letourneau- LeBlond, would be meeting with Shanahan for possible suspension. So this one I'll just wait for a verdict.



But I have uncovered a 3rd hit which I can hopefully offer more insight into :)
Unfortunately no public video evidence, But Red Wings Dan Cleary hit Penguins rookie Philip Samuelsson from behind with an elbow; Cleary was given a 5 minute misconduct penalty and is likely to meet with Shanahan at some point before the end of the week.

SO like I said earlier its time for Shanahan to Step up and make an example of players who target the head or are cheap shot artists (Matt Cooke) or shut up! Set the tone for the whole season right here right now. Help keep hockey a clean and exciting game for people to play and watch.
I'll have my Firday blog tomorrow with any updated punishment for the players if anything was handed out.