In all the spin, bluster and obfuscation in the process of coming to a new CBA, a lot of players have come out and said that they will go play in Europe or in the KHL if there is a lockout. That is their right, and it does appear that many of the players will do that, including some of the highest profile players in the NHLPA.
While this may be their “right” ... I have to wonder… is it the right thing to do?
Over 250 NHL players made a great showing of solidarity over the past two days in New York City. There was plenty of talk about unity, brotherhood and fighting together to win this labor battle. That’s normal, it happens in these situations, but what here is what has me puzzled. The response to a potential lockout from a lot of these players is to go to Europe or the KHL and take another player’s job, a player that doesn't make what an NHL player makes, thus impacting that player’s family and ability to make a living. Maybe I don’t understand all of the issues but that doesn’t seem to be an act of brotherhood.
I have to give players like Bobby Ryan credit… Ryan was quoted by Orange County Register reporter Eric Stephens as saying he “won’t take someone else’s job” by going to Europe to play. Good on ya Bobby… that is showing care and concern for his fellow players and the sport as a whole.
Don’t you wish that the rest of the participants in this whole mess, on both sides, had that type of care and concern? If they did, we would be preparing for camps to open right now…
--------------------------------
I can’t stand watching our favorite sport spin slowly down the drain into the abyss of another lockout, more lost time, more lost revenue, more lost business … frankly, I can’t believe that we are here again.
After a potentially significant concession from the owners, keeping the definition of Hockey Related Revenue the same as the last CBA... the NHLPA rejected it out of hand. I really haven’t chosen a side in this fight, the reality is, there is fault on both sides and neither one has any kind of moral authority.
The problem for the PA may end up being this... history is not on their side. Looking at history, the best offers come before the labor stoppage… there may be more talking between now and 11:59pm tomorrow, and an 11th hour deal is not out of the question, but my hope for such a thing is rapidly fading.
James Mirtle in the
Globe and Mail has written an exhaustive piece on the details of the offers from both sides. It is well worth the read and you get a good feel of where both sides have planted their flags.
It is my belief that serious negotiations haven’t even begun yet. Despite their numerous protestations, neither side is listening to the other, neither side is listening to the fan and neither side seems interested in meeting each other halfway. I guess my definition of serious seems to be different that the participants in this process…
Deadlines do tend to drive movement in these things so hope is not completely lost. But… as I have written previously, I (and those pundits I’ve spoken to) believe that the NHL would be OK with a US Thanksgiving start to the season.
So, what else to do with the time and money that would normally be dedicated to the NHL this fall... hmmm, football is off to an interesting start... and heck... even baseball is going pretty well... those Phillies have been hot as a firecracker...
----------------------------------
Random Notes
- Nashville has signed Jonathan Blum to a one year contract and also announced the signing of 2012 2nd round pick Colton Sissons to his entry level contract.
- In a bit of irony, the Predators TV schedule was released yesterday featuring the coverage of all away games except one, an October trip to Colorado. There will be a total of 71 Predator games televised this year, 65 on Fox Sports TN, three on SportsSouth and three on the NBC Sports Network.
- According to the NHLPA website, 13 Preds attended the NY meetings.
- So… a show of hands at the BOG meeting showed unanimous support for a potential lockout… well! Color me surprised…
- Our good friends at C.A.P.E. are having a charity golf outing on October 3rd at Forest Crossing in Franklin… check it out on Facebook … here's the
link. It’s all to benefit a great cause…
--------------------------------------
ROAD TRIP!!!! Update!
We are heading to the Lone Star State! SlapShot Radio will be road tripping to Dallas for the season finale on April 13th. We have made arrangements for tickets and are working on the other logistics, bus, hotel, etc... depending on the MLB Schedule, we may even try to catch a Rangers game!
Circle the date and join the SlapShot Radio crew for a road trip to Dallas... 4/13/13. More information to come!
We just ordered our tickets… to order yours please contact Group Sales Manager, Stormye Stevens at (214) 387-5635, mention you're with the SlapShot Radio Road Trip and she'll get you set up.
--------------------------------------
You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!
Also... make sure to "like" SlapShot Radio on Facebook... here's the
link.
-------------------------------------
On the next
SlapShot Radio
We are on summer hiatus and will return with our first show on October 3rd at 7pm on 102.5 the Game!
Preseason advertising packages are available… if you would like to reach our large and highly engaged fan base, please reach out… email
[email protected] for more information.
Click
here to download or listen to any of our previous season’s podcasts.
-------------------------------------
KINDLE USERS: Please subscribe to Predators Buzz, a one-stop feed for all things Predators-related on HockeyBuzz. Your subscription includes a free 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month thereafter. For more information,
click here.
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • 
Join the Discussion:
»