It is interesting to see how this 2020 free agency season has played out so far. The big names, Hall, Petrangelo, etc got the big money they were seeking… even if the term they were looking for didn’t materialize. But the second level of the “upper tier” of players and down have seen dramatic decreases in their free agency haul.

After the new CBA that was signed… it does mean some leaner times for NHL players. After all… why should athletes avoid the economic impact of the global pandemic.

Now, don’t cry too hard for these players, the average value of the contracts signed so far in the 2020 UFA season is about $5.6 million per contract year… but that is down almost $2 million per season from the 2019 UFA season… and down even further from the 2018 UFA season.

This situation certainly colors the meetings taking place this week of the joint NHL-NHLPA meetings going on, it has been said that the recently concluded Stanley Cup Playoffs would look like it would be easy compared to the regular season.

The simple fact is, the NHL needs gate and concession revenue to remain viable. While the TV contract have vastly improved, a lack of ticket revenue is going to be a real challenge as the league and its’ franchises navigate this brave new world.

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Random Notes – Presented by

- ’Nother Bubble - Looks like the World Junior’s are going to follow the NHL lead and have their tournament in a bubble. At least we know we will have hockey starting the day after Christmas!

- Player’s Tribune - A must read penned by former Nashville Predator, an done of my personal favorite people, Colin Wilson… It is disquieting and saddening, but a necessary read. https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/colin-wilson-nhl-hockey-mental-health … Good luck to one of the good guys.

- All-Canada Division? - There is plenty of chin-wagging going on about a potential “one season only” all-Canada division. Could be interesting…

- Off Season Power Rankings - The Athletic has Nashville 16th and a playoff bubble team in the offseason power rankings as voted by the A’s NHL writing staff.

- Cap Space Usage? - Nashville has turned from cap strapped to cap rich in just a few moves. Looks like the Predators could have almost $11 million in cap space to use… this definitely bears watching.

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SlapShot Radio is on hiatus until the next season starts

Our sponsors are fantastic, you need to check them out… Dr. Aileen Kruger at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at (615) 872-7762 and our good friend Carter Church, Your Murfreesboro real estate expert with Weichert – The Andrews Group. Cool Springs Wines and Spirits! The largest spirit store in all of middle Tennessee! And La-Z-Boy Nashville! Three locations, locally owned and operated, check out La-Z-Boy in Murfreesboro, Hendersonville and Cool Springs!

We are prepping for season 13… so get in on the action… reach out to me for awesome new advertising packages.

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Tweets by @PredPAPaul


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