For those speculating as to whether Campbell will/won't stay in FL

Jimmy Murphy
‏@MurphysLaw74
Per NHL source #Bruins will target D Brian Campbell in free agency. But source close to Campbell says he wants 1 yr big $ deal w/contender.

off topic I know...but lets look at the bolts as another example of the idiocy of the salary cap the owners and bettman have imposed on themselves...

bolts have drafted well and developed alot of young talent..they are loaded..unfortunatley they have not a won a cup to sooth their coming cap woes

2016-17 UFA: stamkos, RFA: kucherov, kilhorn, namestikov, paquette, brown
2017-18 UFA: hedman, bishop, boyle, RFA: palat, johnson, vasilesky

2/3 of their team will be UFA or RFA this summer and next

plus they have 4 aging dmen with 4-5 mil contracts

so what does stevie y do...stamkos has said no so far to 8.5 per for 8 years...if he wants 10 plus do they let him walk??
- bogiedoc

YES

Stamkos is not one of their best players at this point and so they will make a respectable offer-Placate their fan base, and then he will sign in Toronto most likely.

It is very risky to pay someone upwards of $8-$9 mill per season when a case can be made there are 2-4 players better. It may be more than risky, it could be simply stupid.

For those speculating as to whether Campbell will/won't stay in FL

Jimmy Murphy
‏@MurphysLaw74
Per NHL source #Bruins will target D Brian Campbell in free agency. But source close to Campbell says he wants 1 yr big $ deal w/contender.
- pdx2ord

The big money part is a rub for coming here...

You are missing the real problem with the NHL. It's not the restrictive salary cap, it's the lack of real TV revenue.

The two main deals in place are from Rogers Cable in Canada - 12 years 5.2 billion, and NBC - 10 years 2 billion.

The total the NHL gets per year from these deals is $630 million and change. Just for the sake of this exercise, if the NHL front office did not take a dime of this - and distributed it to the 30 NHL clubs, that would come to just a little over $21 million per team, but we all know the league office gets a cut of this.

So if you take the Blackhawks, for instance, the TV revenue from the league only covers the two contracts for Toews and Kane. That really is not a lot - especially when you compare it to what the NFL and the NBA make. It's really a joke.

This is why local TV deals and merchandising are SO important to each team. And if the teams don't have a LOT of merchandise sales and local viewership, they do nothing but hurt this league.

And I will tell you this, if the NHL expands to Las Vegas and one other city, and they have to split revenues even further, this will be a tipping point for another lengthy lockout, and then contraction within the next ten years - and they will only have themselves to blame.
- dahawks8819

TV deal could be better no doubt...But there are many teams playing to crowds in the majority of games at less than capacity. For now it's a gate driven league and there are too many empty seats around the NHL.

TV deal could be better no doubt...But there are many teams playing to crowds in the majority of games at less than capacity. For now it's a gate driven league and there are too many empty seats around the NHL.
- Al

Those two things are related. If the NHL got a better TV deal, they'd put more fans in seats. If they had more fans in seats, they'd get a better TV deal.

One place to start is a better online package that gives fans access to every game. I have internet but no cable TV and that locks me out of the NBC games now.

TV deal could be better no doubt...But there are many teams playing to crowds in the majority of games at less than capacity. For now it's a gate driven league and there are too many empty seats around the NHL.
- Al

Yes but apparently more in the NBA:

This year (from ESPN):

NHL - 13 teams at 100% + of capacity, 26 over 90%
NBA - 9 teams at 100%+ of capacity, 22 over 90%.

Some caveats:

NBA stadium have higher capacities
That's probably (certainly) tickets distributed, not turnstile count
NHL probably has higher average ticket prices
NHL had high-number outdoor games

NHL fans may spend more money, but the NBA has the deeper fan base by far.

Only one not in Canada is Seabrook. That's ok... Time off. Wish Toews, Hossa, Hjalmarsson didn't have to go.
- 93Joe

Would only bother me if they went deep into playoff season. Then the already short summer becomes ridiculously short. Plus I see this a more Olympic-like, therefore the hard hitting, physical game is less pronounced.

The NHL and NBC doing everything they can to keep the league in the Stone Age.

The NHL Threatened To Fine The Lightning If They Didn't Shut Down Their Watch Party


The NHL told Deadspin that the Lightning were only allowed to host one official event per series, and that they’d already used up their slot on the Game 5 party. But the Sharks and Blues have each hosted multiple parties during the Western Conference Finals, and sources tell us that the NHL and NBC pressured the team to cancel tonight’s event because of worries about low TV ratings.

We’ve also heard the NHL is threatening to fine teams for violating the watch party rule, again at NBC’s behest.
- Mr Ricochet

Holy poop! Dollar Bill has risen from the ashes of hell !!

Pietrangelo could be the reason Seabrook doesn't get the call.
- Al

Or Brouwer...

For those speculating as to whether Campbell will/won't stay in FL

Jimmy Murphy
‏@MurphysLaw74
Per NHL source #Bruins will target D Brian Campbell in free agency. But source close to Campbell says he wants 1 yr big $ deal w/contender.
- pdx2ord[/quote

Few contenders will be able to pay big money, though, right?

Yes but apparently more in the NBA:

This year (from ESPN):

NHL - 13 teams at 100% + of capacity, 26 over 90%
NBA - 9 teams at 100%+ of capacity, 22 over 90%.

Some caveats:

NBA stadium have higher capacities
That's probably (certainly) tickets distributed, not turnstile count
NHL probably has higher average ticket prices
NHL had high-number outdoor games

NHL fans may spend more money, but the NBA has the deeper fan base by far.
- StLBravesFan

Yes and you bring up a good point.

That's a reason the gap between the NBA/NHL in the US can close a good deal over the next 10 years with an effective plan and different Commissioner.

But still not good enough....Merchandising in the NBA crushes the NHL and....
Concerning popularity....In context the NBA Draft Lottery Show will outdraw every one of the upcoming Cup games.

At this point about 40% of the teams at capacity won't cut it...And concerning the 90% figure of capacity, many buildings don't seat 20,000 fans.

Or Brouwer...
- jimnhlnut

Better to look at the defenders...They will take a certain amount.

Few contenders will be able to pay big money, though, right?

Would seem a bit at cross purposes these days, yes. A la Ladd and his desire to get big $$$ and have a shot at another title. Guess they could take a gamble on a team with a lot of young talent who might make a big run next year.

Would seem a bit at cross purposes these days, yes. A la Ladd and his desire to get big $$$ and have a shot at another title. Guess they could take a gamble on a team with a lot of young talent who might make a big run next year.
- pdx2ord

I'm really curious to see where Ladd ends up. If Shaw gets traded or signs a too-big offer sheet with another team, I wouldn't be shocked if Ladd resigns in Chicago. I'd love to get both of them back. That would mean at least on of the other big salaries gets moved though.

I'm really curious to see where Ladd ends up. If Shaw gets traded or signs a too-big offer sheet with another team, I wouldn't be shocked if Ladd resigns in Chicago. I'd love to get both of them back. That would mean at least on of the other big salaries gets moved though.
- matt_ahrens

If Stan doesn't have the money to re-sign Shaw he won't have the money to re-sign Ladd.

I'm really curious to see where Ladd ends up. If Shaw gets traded or signs a too-big offer sheet with another team, I wouldn't be shocked if Ladd resigns in Chicago. I'd love to get both of them back. That would mean at least on of the other big salaries gets moved though.
- matt_ahrens

I could see Shaw getting offer-sheeted. But could also see him take the Kruger route, if possible. Would love to have Ladd back.

If Stan doesn't have the money to re-sign Shaw he won't have the money to re-sign Ladd.
- DarthKane

He doesn't have the money now. But he might free some up to sign one or the other.

He doesn't have the money now. But he might free some up to sign one or the other.
- matt_ahrens

Shaw may stick around, but I don't see any way Ladd does. Maybe I'm wrong, time will tell.

Shaw may stick around, but I don't see any way Ladd does. Maybe I'm wrong, time will tell.
- DarthKane

I think that's probably right. Wishful thinking is that they somehow keep both. I could see a scenario where Shaw is gone but Ladd stays, but that's unlikely.

I think that's probably right. Wishful thinking is that they somehow keep both. I could see a scenario where Shaw is gone but Ladd stays, but that's unlikely.
- matt_ahrens

I've said this before, if it comes down to Shaw or Ladd I say Stan should keep Shaw.

TV deal could be better no doubt...But there are many teams playing to crowds in the majority of games at less than capacity. For now it's a gate driven league and there are too many empty seats around the NHL.
- Al

Al,

I just read a fascinating piece about the ratings woes that Rogers Cable is currently going through.

To appease their advertisers in April, Rogers offered free spots to make up for failures to reach promised audience targets. That is unprecedented.

And the latest story about NBC pressuring the NHL to threaten Tampa to suspend a watch party - attended by 8,000 fans - paints me a picture of what NBC thinks about its current arrangement with the NHL.

Someone on here recently - and it may had been you - told me the game was being watched now more than ever - I disagree with that thought.

The NHL is hurting right now - and very badly. Can you imagine how much worse they will be should Rogers and NBC pull the plug on their deals?? I am sure there is language in both contracts that would allow them to back out if minimum viewership is not met.

I have been saying for a couple of years now that the NHL MUST take a big step forward - and eliminate all the obstruction in the game that slows it down and gives lesser talented teams and advantage and a false sense of parity. This concept is driving DOWN the viewership of the game - not increasing it.

The NHL is the only sport on the planet that rewards less talented teams that can minimize star players and star teams. Every other sports organization on the planet embraces their stars and even gives them preferential treatment.

The NBA, for example, for over 40 years has had what seems to be different sets of rules for how you can defend star players. Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and now Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry are the promoted stars in their league. They could and can do almost anything they want on the court - and they are hands off for the most part. And their league and its TV deals have never been stronger.

In the NFL, the quarterbacks and receivers are all hands off, scoring is up, and viewership and profitability have never been higher. There are direct correlations to both.

MLB has always been able to juggle star pitchers shutting down hitting with home run hitters as equally watchable. Their profits are strong.

The NHL is the only league that lets thugs and unskilled players to constantly bend rules to oppress shots on goal and space in front of the nets in the offensive zone.

The Board of Governors meet with thumbs up their behind to talk about the shortage of scoring, and all they can come up with is goalie equipment and goalie height - while the 800 pound elephant in the room - obstruction - is ignored. They don't even have to make new rules - just force their officials to ENFORCE the rules on the books, and scoring - and even more important - scoring chances - both INCREASE. It's really that simple!!!!!!

No one wants to watch most goals being scored by third and fourth line players off of deflections - that is just the nature of people that watch sports. They want to see the stars of the league succeed - and that's whether or not they are fans of that team. The bore fest the NHL has become in the last three years is palpable by most people watching from home. They zoom in on fans during games played by less skilled teams that overly sell out in the d-zone - the crowds get quiet, and the fans start looking at other things on their phones. I see it at different games - A LOT!!!!! If they are bored there, imagine what the fans think at home. And it is showing up in the ratings. People are watching other - more interesting things. The networks are seeing it - and are not encouraged.

What baffles me the most is HOW the NHL extended Bettman's contract!!!!! He has done NOTHING to positively influence the NHL in his run as commissioner - the fans detest him, money is not being made - why wasn't he relieved of his position????

This is what I have said in previous posts - the NBA TV deals make in one year what NBC pays the NHL in 10 years!!!!!!

And Bettman kisses the behinds of NBC on almost every point.

NBC wanted teams in Florida, Southern California and Arizona - top TV markets, and Bettman made it happen - no matter how much these teams are costing the league.

And just because these teams can put 15,000 people in their buildings on a given night, that does NOT make them profitable. The merchandise sales are in the toilet for at least 12 teams. Their local TV ratings are awful - and NOT going to get better.

The NHL gifted two Stanley cups to the Kings with lackadaisical officiating - and their local ratings are still worse than most sports broadcast there - and NOT going to get better. And to compound the problems, the AHL moved four teams to that area - I guarantee at least three will be either begging to move within five years - or be forced to fold. They cannot sustain business with less than 5,000 people a night attending - and the NHL cannot afford to subsidize them like the NBA does with the WNBA.
- dahawks8819

This part of your post has been true without a doubt. But with Ed Snider's passing that may change a bit in the future. Going forward there figures to be more objective decisions being made, with money being 99% of it, of course.

The big money part is a rub for coming here...
- Al

He's really not good enough to command big $'s, now he might get it, but he's not good enough to command it.

If Stan doesn't have the money to re-sign Shaw he won't have the money to re-sign Ladd.
- DarthKane

https://www.capfriendly.c...m/armchair-gm/team/114500

In a world where he does have the money to sign both. Now, they both have to sign one year deals, and you have to buyout Bickell, but it can work.

I wouldn't mind going to battle with this line up for next year. Some question marks, yes, but its certainly doable.

Al,

I just read a fascinating piece about the ratings woes that Rogers Cable is currently going through.

To appease their advertisers in April, Rogers offered free spots to make up for failures to reach promised audience targets. That is unprecedented.

And the latest story about NBC pressuring the NHL to threaten Tampa to suspend a watch party - attended by 8,000 fans - paints me a picture of what NBC thinks about its current arrangement with the NHL.

Someone on here recently - and it may had been you - told me the game was being watched now more than ever - I disagree with that thought.

The NHL is hurting right now - and very badly. Can you imagine how much worse they will be should Rogers and NBC pull the plug on their deals?? I am sure there is language in both contracts that would allow them to back out if minimum viewership is not met.

I have been saying for a couple of years now that the NHL MUST take a big step forward - and eliminate all the obstruction in the game that slows it down and gives lesser talented teams and advantage and a false sense of parity. This concept is driving DOWN the viewership of the game - not increasing it.

The NHL is the only sport on the planet that rewards less talented teams that can minimize star players and star teams. Every other sports organization on the planet embraces their stars and even gives them preferential treatment.

The NBA, for example, for over 40 years has had what seems to be different sets of rules for how you can defend star players. Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and now Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry are the promoted stars in their league. They could and can do almost anything they want on the court - and they are hands off for the most part. And their league and its TV deals have never been stronger.

In the NFL, the quarterbacks and receivers are all hands off, scoring is up, and viewership and profitability have never been higher. There are direct correlations to both.

MLB has always been able to juggle star pitchers shutting down hitting with home run hitters as equally watchable. Their profits are strong.

The NHL is the only league that lets thugs and unskilled players to constantly bend rules to oppress shots on goal and space in front of the nets in the offensive zone.

The Board of Governors meet with thumbs up their behind to talk about the shortage of scoring, and all they can come up with is goalie equipment and goalie height - while the 800 pound elephant in the room - obstruction - is ignored. They don't even have to make new rules - just force their officials to ENFORCE the rules on the books, and scoring - and even more important - scoring chances - both INCREASE. It's really that simple!!!!!!

No one wants to watch most goals being scored by third and fourth line players off of deflections - that is just the nature of people that watch sports. They want to see the stars of the league succeed - and that's whether or not they are fans of that team. The bore fest the NHL has become in the last three years is palpable by most people watching from home. They zoom in on fans during games played by less skilled teams that overly sell out in the d-zone - the crowds get quiet, and the fans start looking at other things on their phones. I see it at different games - A LOT!!!!! If they are bored there, imagine what the fans think at home. And it is showing up in the ratings. People are watching other - more interesting things. The networks are seeing it - and are not encouraged.

What baffles me the most is HOW the NHL extended Bettman's contract!!!!! He has done NOTHING to positively influence the NHL in his run as commissioner - the fans detest him, money is not being made - why wasn't he relieved of his position????
- dahawks8819

Very good post.............I did post an article in April showing Canadian numbers down SIXTY ONE percent. Here's one: https://ca.sports.yahoo.c...ptors-rise-194358148.html

A more recent one drawing on older data: http://spectorshockey.net...ggling-in-the-tv-ratings/


A lot of great points in your post but the highlighted are very important. Without getting too log winded indeed offense sells in any sport, save for English soccer, which after auto racing I believe is the most watched sport in the world.

I'm not to be included as advertisers long knew as I'm old and you ain't gonna sway me with most anything new. What they've done to baseball, football and basketball has ruined those sports for me.

For three decades I had action on the noon and 3:00 football games but now can't even watch a whole game. You touch a receiver or hit a player too hard there is a flag and a 4 hr game. Baseball, the greatest game at one time IMO, allowed these freaks to juice their bodies, juice their bats, added a DH and brought the fences in for home run fests. These people can't even lay down a bunt and rarely display any fundamentals. The NBA rules allows two guys to isolate on the wing and play 1 on 1 and when a team game is used a whistle blows.

But ratings are through the roof!!

Although I may not agree with all aspects of allowing more offense making the game better I do think changes can be made to make the game more exciting.

#1 is making the ice international size, making it 100 feet wide. A wider surface will single handedly allow stars to shine (operate) more than any other change. But try and sell that to owners, taking out 3-4-5 rows of seats at the glass.

We can go on and on but ice size cures a lot off scoring ills.

Next is bringing in and keeping the casual fan, those are the ones missing from the ratings drop in Canada, and to do that you need to sell the stars. As much as I abhore people like McD he's born to sell ice cubes to eskimos. People like him need to run this league. Things people like him do to make money, see MLB, NBA and NFL, will drive guys like me away but the league/sport will advance as the other major league sports have.

As far as this year in a micro sense two top teams like the Blues and Hawks playing in round one knocks a premier team out early. Start times are a female dog too when they have the Hawks-Blues starting/ending late to accomodate East Coast games lose the casual fan.