The caps in football and basketball (baseball has no cap) is not dependant (except for the Raptors' revenues in basketball) on the Canadian dollar.

And - given the HRR split in the CBA, and the fact that all Canadian revenues have to be translated into US dollars (because players are all paid in US dollars) - there is little to be done: the cap is only an estimate of the final annual split of HRR, and 50% is 50%.

Finally, the owners of American NHL teams are probably not very happy about the situation either: since (I think) national TV contracts in Canada become part of the 30 team split, a low Canadian dollar results in a lower HRR, of which 50% goes to the owners.
- StLBravesFan

Thanks for the insight. I did not know much of that. Do the Canadian TV contracts make up that much of the HRR?

I'm not sure "misled" is / was the correct term - not many economists saw the collapse of oil (and the Canadian dollar) back then.

In July, 2014:

Price of oil - US$ 106
Looney - US$.938667

Today:

Price of oil - US$ 46
Looney - US$ .756599 (a 19% drop)

Although oil did begin its big fall-off in September of 2014, and the looney followed it down.
- StLBravesFan

Agreed that's why I said all factors considered. BUT, I heard the Hawks got some "rosy" (and I don't mean 137 year old Czech defenseman Rosy) cap projections from the league, with all those factors considered, that didn't materialize.

I'm not sure "misled" is / was the correct term - not many economists saw the collapse of oil (and the Canadian dollar) back then.

In July, 2014:

Price of oil - US$ 106
Looney - US$.938667

Today:

Price of oil - US$ 46
Looney - US$ .756599 (a 19% drop)

Although oil did begin its big fall-off in September of 2014, and the looney followed it down.
- StLBravesFan

Bottom line - the NHL business plan is a complete failure.
It allows a team to go 82 - 0 , and never score a goal the entire season. Actually can happen.

Anyone else, besides me starting to worry about Keith's health?

I anticipate an "interesting" season if he's not 100%, or misses significant time.
- ArlingtonRob

It's right to be concerned. But . . .

Bottom line is this:

They're ruling him out for the first four preseason games, not the final 2. They are completely meaningless games.

If he is on a schedule for return, which is what it sounds like, then assuming he is ready to play the last two preseason games, he doesn't get much time to ramp up to game play.

All that said, Keith is the elite of the elite as far as training and conditioning. And a pro's pro.

What I would be a little concerned about is the severity of the injury that's kept him out this long. Again, though, sounds to me like they are being extra cautious, not pushing him for any reason—nor should they.

Thanks for the insight. I did not know much of that. Do the Canadian TV contracts make up that much of the HRR?
- bhawks2241

US national TV contract with NBC: goes through 2021 at US$200 MM per year.

Canadian national TV contract with Rogers: 12 years at Can 436 MM per year.

Total National TV Revenues in US dollars at July, 2014 exchange rate ($.938667):

$200 MM + $409 MM = $609 MM

Total National TV Revenues in US dollars at today's exchange rate ($.756599):

$200 MM + $329 MM = $529 MM

Then factor in the 7 local Canadian team revenues (and Hockey still has a largely gate-driven revenue stream) and the TSN regional coverage of Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Montreal (and I have no ideal about the amounts for these) and your talking the low-value Canadian dollar having a major effect on HRR and the cap.

These are my calculations from what I've seen on the internet - if anyone has different numbers - I wouldn't argue with them.

Bottom line - the NHL business plan is a complete failure.
It allows a team to go 82 - 0 , and never score a goal the entire season. Actually can happen.
- powerenforcer

Please explain.

Please explain.
- TheTrob

Probably win all 82 in shoot-outs.

Probably win all 82 in shoot-outs.
- StLBravesFan

Goals would still be scored.

Goals would still be scored.
- DarthKane

Players goals scored during the shoot-out do not count though - so therefore 0 goals.

Probably win all 82 in shoot-outs.
- StLBravesFan

Exactly ( 0-0 ties after the 5 min OT period)- probability is small, but the business plan does allow for it. Therefore it is a failed system.

Sounds like Gaborik has a broken foot. Going to miss the first 6 weeks of the season
- hawkeytalkman

Seems as if he is always injured. Guy is a good player but fragile.

Exactly ( 0-0 ties after the 5 min OT period)- probability is small, but the business plan does allow for it. Therefore it is a failed system.
- powerenforcer

Seems kind of nit picky to call an entire system a failure because of the most minuscule chance of something like that happening.

US national TV contract with NBC: goes through 2021 at US$200 MM per year.

Canadian national TV contract with Rogers: 12 years at Can 436 MM per year.

Total National TV Revenues in US dollars at July, 2014 exchange rate ($.938667):

$200 MM + $409 MM = $609 MM

Total National TV Revenues in US dollars at today's exchange rate ($.756599):

$200 MM + $329 MM = $529 MM

Then factor in the 7 local Canadian team revenues (and Hockey still has a largely gate-driven revenue stream) and the TSN regional coverage of Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Montreal (and I have no ideal about the amounts for these) and your talking the low-value Canadian dollar having a major effect on HRR and the cap.

These are my calculations from what I've seen on the internet - if anyone has different numbers - I wouldn't argue with them.
- StLBravesFan

The good news is that most of the damage is done now. Since the start of 2016 the CAD has recovered a bit and has mostly leveled off. It seems like the oil market is hitting a The value of the CAD now is almost exactly what it was in late Sept 2015. The rebound/Recovery when it happens could be very steep. Some are predicting that this low price is setting the stage for a sharp increase which would have a HUGE $$$ impact in Canada.

The good news is that most of the damage is done now. Since the start of 2016 the CAD has recovered a bit and has mostly leveled off. It seems like the oil market is hitting a The value of the CAD now is almost exactly what it was in late Sept 2015. The rebound/Recovery when it happens could be very steep. Some are predicting that this low price is setting the stage for a sharp increase which would have a HUGE $$$ impact in Canada.
- breadbag

Also, I think the league might see some extra $$$ coming in from Toronto, given that they are generating some excitement with their shiny new #1 pick. They are far and away the team in Canada with the largest market and fan base. They have been failing to deliver much for years, but adding a young star to that team is a positive for the NHL.

Exactly ( 0-0 ties after the 5 min OT period)- probability is small, but the business plan does allow for it. Therefore it is a failed system.
- powerenforcer

Sorry PE, but that is a stretch, even for your usually slightly twisted vision of the league and how things should be. Go back to T+/T-

How many games are played in the NHL per season? How many games ended 0-0 and went to a shootout?

The numbers are staggeringly small, but lets play your ridiculous "what if" anyway. A team by some chance plays a completely defensive style of hockey, and for 82 games, no opponent can score, no fluke goals, no own goals, nothing. However, this defensive style also means they spend NO time in the opposition end, and again No funny bounces, no own goals, nothing. Every game 0-0, thru 3-on-3 and then goes to a shootout. Hmmmmm, could happen (RIGHT). But now, the game goes to a shootout, and the team that has staked their season on winning shootouts, can no longer play lock down defense, but has to instead rely solely on the skill of the goalie(s), and no mess ups, cheap goals, nothing, and on top of it has to themselves, find a way to beat the opposition goalie at least once, which they have not done all season. Yeah, completely plausible, a team can go 82-0-0 while scoring no official goals.

Sorry dude, that is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard, and no matter how failed you may think the NHL system is, this surely isn't an argument to support it.

Sorry PE, but that is a stretch, even for your usually slightly twisted vision of the league and how things should be. Go back to T+/T-

How many games are played in the NHL per season? How many games ended 0-0 and went to a shootout?

The numbers are staggeringly small, but lets play your ridiculous "what if" anyway. A team by some chance plays a completely defensive style of hockey, and for 82 games, no opponent can score, no fluke goals, no own goals, nothing. However, this defensive style also means they spend NO time in the opposition end, and again No funny bounces, no own goals, nothing. Every game 0-0, thru 3-on-3 and then goes to a shootout. Hmmmmm, could happen (RIGHT). But now, the game goes to a shootout, and the team that has staked their season on winning shootouts, can no longer play lock down defense, but has to instead rely solely on the skill of the goalie(s), and no mess ups, cheap goals, nothing, and on top of it has to themselves, find a way to beat the opposition goalie at least once, which they have not done all season. Yeah, completely plausible, a team can go 82-0-0 while scoring no official goals.

Sorry dude, that is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard, and no matter how failed you may think the NHL system is, this surely isn't an argument to support it.
- TheTrob

Argue it all you want, IT IS the business plan. It is failed, and until everyone calls them on it, this league will continue to rank behind beach volleyball.

Jen ‏@NHLhistorygirl 12m12 minutes ago
On this date in 2007, #Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz died.
- DarthKane

It effectively ended my 23 year boycott of the Hawks. Ordered a 10 game package that night, that got me on the list and I've had seasons ever since.

Seems kind of nit picky to call an entire system a failure because of the most minuscule chance of something like that happening.
- JRoenick97

Why even respond to this kind of tin foil hat foolishness? It's like saying the NFL has a failed system because a team could go through the entire season, go 16-0 and never score a touchdown.

My info. is at that time, the Hawk brass expected a more robust "rise" in the salary cap. Some scuttlebutt they felt they were misled by league officials based on all factors.
- John Jaeckel

Grown me allegedly at the top of their profession should know from experience when you go to the window to place a bet, a 22 million dollar bet at that, you play your own horse, not Uncle Tom, Richard or Harry's.

Add Seabs' term and Hossa too and the Hawks season ticket waiting list will vanish under the weight of poor contracts.

Why even respond to this kind of tin foil hat foolishness? It's like saying the NFL has a failed system because a team could go through the entire season, go 16-0 and never score a touchdown.
- Hank_Greenberg

Explain that? Apples to oranges. Field goals, safetys, OT points count in the NFL.
At least I am correct in saying a team can go 82 -0 and not score a goal.

Anyone who also watched the exhibition games (Which were played in Russia), he was excellent and arguably the best dmen on the ice for those games. It wasn't until the games moved to North America that he kind of disappeared back into the fold.

Right now Kempny only knows how to play Euro ice, and he does it very well. Give him a couple months to get comfortable and just pray Q doesnt doghouse him before then
- hawkeytalkman

I just don't know if even I can say that is true, and I was the guy immediately posting on what I didn't like about Kempny.

I think Kempny's game is based on a quick stick, quick feet, and a real strong shot. He isn't a slug, isn't a heavy playing defender, and isn't a going to play exceptional if he isn't moving.

Will it take time? I guess you and I will see soon, within a month, how he fares against NHLers and on the different ice.
So no reason for us to debate it prior.

It's right to be concerned. But . . .

Bottom line is this:

They're ruling him out for the first four preseason games, not the final 2. They are completely meaningless games.

If he is on a schedule for return, which is what it sounds like, then assuming he is ready to play the last two preseason games, he doesn't get much time to ramp up to game play.

All that said, Keith is the elite of the elite as far as training and conditioning. And a pro's pro.

What I would be a little concerned about is the severity of the injury that's kept him out this long. Again, though, sounds to me like they are being extra cautious, not pushing him for any reason—nor should they.
- John Jaeckel

Just to add, it seemed in interview with the coaching staff they are just being extra cautious. Keith wanted to skate more and push himself more but the coaches are making him take it easy. Makes sense too, with the Hawks having a lot of good D prospects and some new faces on D, they can give more guys the preseason games, because Keith doesn't need much tune up.

When we look at the Roster we clearly are missing at least 2 Forwards or we are having guys play that are very green or just over slot. of the prospects trying to make the team what side do they play? is the below correct? 3 of the below probably make the team.

Shmaltz C or RW shoots R
Mcneal C or RW shoots R
Hino C and shoots R
Hartman RW shoots R
Moose C and shoots L
Motte LW shoots L
Kero C or LW? shoots L

When we look at the Roster we clearly are missing at least 2 Forwards or we are having guys play that are very green or just over slot. of the prospects trying to make the team what side do they play? is the below correct? 3 of the below probably make the team.

Shmaltz C or RW shoots R
Mcneal C or RW shoots R
Hino C and shoots R
Hartman RW shoots R
Moose C and shoots L
Motte LW shoots L
Kero C or LW? shoots L
- kmw4631

Motte can play both sides, so that's important IMO. I can see them rolling with the youth for a while, then making a trade for a LW. I'd like to believe that Bowman was talking wingers with his fellow GMs in the World Cup.

If Motte makes the team I think it will be as LW. trying to teach a young kid the NHL game on his side that he is not quite as strong on seems like that it will be more then they can handle IMO. Look at Dano. He was great as a RW and terrible as a LW. Plus With Hartman Schmaltz Mcneal all RW I feel like if its as RW for Motte he would lose out to 1 of those guys. We basically have 1 open slot on either side right now.