Paul McCann: You M.A.D. bro?

First and foremost...prayers to Connecticut and all those affected throughout the world dealing with senseless violence.

This NHL/NHLPA debacle is beyond control now. I am guarded, but starting to lean to not caring if we have a season or not. Many of my friends, long time season ticket holders have already given up and if the NHL cancels the season, look for a ton more to send back their sealed boxes for a refund never to return.

Apathy...nothing more, nothing less.

The problem with mutually assured destruction, in this case, is that it's not a matter of deterrence. Both sides brought their big gun negotiators and are actively assuring mutual destruction.

Prayers to CT first and foremost.

Now, about the NHL. This whole thing is just garbage. We are at the point now where everyone is losing. Fans, workers, players, bars etc etc.

I have personally held out from pulling my season tix money but am really close to ditching my seats I have had since day 1. I honestly am tired of hoping for some magical season. Don't have time for it.

Time for the NHL and NHLPA to drop the ego and get something done.

I keep leaving messages for my account rep to call, but to date, no call back. Have the Preds cut back hours? I wouldn't blame them but we are spoiled by their previous outrageous customer service.

Fair question, since Shea Weber's contract guarantees $26 million, is this the beginning of the end for the Nashville Predators? The owners can't take a hit like that and shrug it off.

Fair question, since Shea Weber's contract guarantees $26 million, is this the beginning of the end for the Nashville Predators? The owners can't take a hit like that and shrug it off.
- YouAreTheGovt

Or how about the NHLPA representing 60 fewer players. The Shea's of the world will find a home, but the 4th line of pretty much every team in the league will be gone as there will be 2-3 fewer teams. With Weber's salary, ours may well be one, but I doubt it....well, more accurately, I hope not.

Fair question, since Shea Weber's contract guarantees $26 million, is this the beginning of the end for the Nashville Predators? The owners can't take a hit like that and shrug it off.
- YouAreTheGovt

Make no mistake the teams that were struggling before the lockout are in deep trouble if this entire year is trashed. Bettman should be more willing to play ball for that reason alone. Nashville was in good shape... but matching Weber right before the lockout hurt them significantly. That basically voided all profits from ticket sales from the past year(not to mention no money coming in now). Potentially two seasons worth of ticket sales adding up to $0.00.

I keep leaving messages for my account rep to call, but to date, no call back. Have the Preds cut back hours? I wouldn't blame them but we are spoiled by their previous outrageous customer service.
- Fangor

I believe the Predator's are still operating at full staff.
I am curious as to which teams are still using full staffs and whom has laid off employees ?

Fair question, since Shea Weber's contract guarantees $26 million, is this the beginning of the end for the Nashville Predators? The owners can't take a hit like that and shrug it off.
- YouAreTheGovt

I can't see it breaking the organization because that money wasn't hockey money. The Preds "company" is losing money. That came from the owners' pockets which they can obviously afford. Where the problem comes in is they invested that for the future revenue that would come with the benefits of having a superstar. That being gate draw as well as good teams because of Shea being on them. Ultimately, they could fold not from that $26 mil, but from Fehr's ego that could destroy hockey and people in this area's interest in it. That revenue might have walked by now.

Very Balanced and Spot On.

Nice Blog. Maybe the best on the site.

I believe the Predator's are still operating at full staff.
I am curious as to which teams are still using full staffs and whom has laid off employees ?
- wrister

The Preds are still at full staffing mode.

The problem with mutually assured destruction, in this case, is that it's not a matter of deterrence. Both sides brought their big gun negotiators and are actively assuring mutual destruction.
- BulliesPhan87

This...

Very Balanced and Spot On.

Nice Blog. Maybe the best on the site.
- Beatle_john

Thanks! I appreciate you reading...

Quick Question Paul...

If the league honors the "Make Whole" once this CBA stuff gets figured out and the league agrees to $300 million, does that mean the league helps Nashville at all with the money for Weber? Would this off-set some of the smaller teams trying to afford top line talent by revenue sharing in this case? Or would it since it is technically signing bonus money not be covered by the "Make Whole"?

Just curious?