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NHL To Investigate White Sox Over Peavy Deal?

August 3, 2009, 10:17 AM ET [ Comments]
John Jaeckel
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Tried to blog on this subject yesterday but ran into some issues: act of God sort of thing. And sometimes it's better, regardless, to let the dust settle on something before wading in full force.

When I heard about the Hossa contract investigation, the silliness of it (on so many levels) almost left me speechless.

The NHL approved the contract because it complies with the CBA. Now, apparently due to the urging of some miffed GMs of other teams, they're "investigating" it.

This, in a nutshell, is the problem with how the NHL operates, from the league office to the War Room to the on-ice officiating.

A decision is made. Someone raises an issue with it (warranted or not). And the league responds with some kind of "make-good" to the complaining party.

Apparently, according to statements from Bill Daly, the league decided to investigate the Hossa and Pronger deals because the players would be 42 and 41 respectively at the end of their deals— but not the Zetterberg and Franzen deals, because those players would be a relatively youthful 40 at the end of theirs.

I mean, that's a joke, right?

Further, the only way someone can absolutely, indisputably know that the final two years of Hossa's deal is a "hidden retirement clause," is to be there with Marian Hossa in 2019, when he decides whether or not to play the final two years of his contract for $750,000 a year.

The bottom line is, he has that choice. 39 is not mandatory retirement age in hockey. $1.5 million is $1.5 million, even in 2019 terms.

Now, those of you who will cry homerism, understand: I have been consistent since I was a visitor on these blogs that the NHL needs to be consistent in the application of its rules.

If it's a penalty, call it.

When the whistle blows, the "action" should stop. If not, send some people to the box.

If the War Room deems a puck is above the crossbar one night, then stick with that assessment for virtually the same play the next night.

If you approve a contract that is consistent with the CBA— even if a team has found a way to use the existing rules to its advantage— stand by your decision.

Thus, you save yourself the need to rationalize the difference between a deal that extends until a player is 40, and one that extends until a player is 41.

Yeesh. Thank God the NHL is so great on the ice.
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