In the grand scheme of things.. How does Mario Lemieux vote or view the issue? Considering he understands how the players feel.. Thoughts here?
- victorymc98

The vote for lockout was unanimous from the owners.

You mean the same top tax rate paid during Eisenhower's administration when this country became the greatest economic super power this earth has ever seen?
- Mr Ricochet

And one had anything at all to do with the other...how?

Cause...and effect. Changes in (tax) policy influence behavior...both at the corporate and individual levels.

The architect of this misguided policy, if I dare call him that, admits himself that raising the maximum tax rate won't bring in any additional revenue to French coffers at all:

http://www.thenewamerican...tizens-are-leaving-france

So what good is it? All it will do is motivate wealthy French citizens to leave. The people who invest money, create jobs, help grow their economy...will leave, and are already leaving. That benefits France...how? By making them feel better while their economy tanks?

The simple truth that these class warfare types don't want to tell you is that "soaking" the rich doesn't solve the problem. There simply aren't enough of them to go around. You could tax everyone in the U.S. who earns $10M a year or more at 100%, that's right, confiscate everything they earn, and you could fund the federal government for...wait for it... about 18 days.

As Margaret Thatcher once said, "The problem with socialists is eventually they run out of other people's money."

And Mint Robme and his buds are part of the 47%, or damn near close. He paid less taxes than I did last year, we know that for sure. And he created lots of jobs in his time, for 9 year old Chinese girls.

That last administration had it figured out, Mint will try it again, with little to no taxes for the Royalists and zero regulation, how did that work out? Record surplus inherited, record deficit passed on. Dow at 12,500 when he came in 5,500 when he left. SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND jobs lost in the crime family's last month occupying the White House.

And you call the poster a dope, Goof?
- Mr Ricochet

and what has barack HUSSAIN obama done?

From Capgeek (via my Facebook feed)...

NHL teams are paying players $130.9975M in signing bonuses, even if the entire season is lost to a lockout. The top spenders via signing bonuses?

1. Buffalo, $20.75M
2. Minnesota, $20.1M
3. Nashville, $13.3375M
4. Tampa Bay, $10.59M
5. N.Y. Rangers, $10.5525M
6. Chicago, $10.2575M
7. Vancouver, $9.38M
8. Montreal, $5.44M
9. Columbus, $4.7475M
10. Toronto, $3.0875M

and what has barack HUSSAIN obama done?
- wonthecup10

I see what you did there...

For chris'sakes, this is getting as bad as watching commercials of each candidate slinging mud at each other.

And one had anything at all to do with the other...how?

Cause...and effect. Changes in (tax) policy influence behavior...both at the corporate and individual levels.

The architect of this misguided policy, if I dare call him that, admits himself that raising the maximum tax rate won't bring in any additional revenue to French coffers at all:

http://www.thenewamerican...tizens-are-leaving-france

So what good is it? All it will do is motivate wealthy French citizens to leave. The people who invest money, create jobs, help grow their economy...will leave, and are already leaving. That benefits France...how? By making them feel better while their economy tanks?

The simple truth that these class warfare types don't want to tell you is that "soaking" the rich doesn't solve the problem. There simply aren't enough of them to go around. You could tax everyone in the U.S. who earns $10M a year or more at 100%, that's right, confiscate everything they earn, and you could fund the federal government for...wait for it... about 18 days.

As Margaret Thatcher once said, "The problem with socialists is eventually they run out of other people's money."
- MartiniMan

I'm trying to keep out of this, but keep running into comments that must be refuted.

Shouting now so even you can hear me: NOT EVERYONE WHO DISAGREES WITH YOU IS A SOCIALIST OR A COMMUNIST OR UN-AMERICAN IN ANY WAY. I AM TIRED OF BEING ACCUSED OF TREASON BECAUSE I SUPPORT A CANDIDATE THAT YOU DON'T.

and what has barack HUSSAIN obama done?
- wonthecup10

You would think that someone who uses another's middle name to damn him would actually spell it correctly.

I see what you did there...

For chris'sakes, this is getting as bad as watching commercials of each candidate slinging mud at each other.
- EKolb13

eli,
i hate politics, both of these goofs running for president are clowns! i just want hockey to stay as wholesome as it basically is. the owners will work it out

I'm going to go in the other direction. While I think a number of warm weather teams need to move, I'd also add 2 expansion teams. More jobs for the players union, more expansion revenue (short term) for the owners.

Among the cites where I'd relocate a team to, or add an expansion franchise:

Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, 2nd Toronto team or Hamilton, Quebec City, Halifax, something in New Brunswick, Windsor. There's at least 8, which could take care of 2 expansions and 6 relocations.

That would give the league a balanced 32 teams, and make scheduling more sensible.

The NBA Draft lottery show outdrew game 1 of the Cup Finals...By a lot.
The Cup Finals don't have the TV ratings one would think unless high profile big name teams are there. The playoffs are two months long...and by the end many people lose interest.

I tweeted this today and feel it is true...

Socialism doesn't work for a society but works very well in a sports league.

There is no better example of socialism then the NFL. Not my opinion but admitted by Goodell.

The NHL is so convoluted...The minority swing the biggest bat as they are the only ones making money.

Until the big mkts realize the pot needs to grow and everyone is better off when it does the NHL will continue to stumble along or will be forced to contract.

There is only room for so many teams in Canada...No more than two most likely so the answer is not to just relocate the weak sisters.

On Twitter @AlCimaglia
- Al

In a pinch, there is room for 3 in Canada - one in the Toronto area for certain; one in Quebec City largely because the game is loved there but not because it is a big city or very wealthy; and a regional team in Saskatchewan playing out Saskatoon and Regina. The farm boys out there are sitting on loads of oil and gas, potash and uranium mines and a whole bunch of grain production. The team would be loved and supported like a new born child forever. Money is no issue there.

The problem is that putting more teams in Canada doesn't meet the Gary Bettman vision of his NHL, which means continuing to maintain or stuff teams into questionable markets with no hockey history, weak ownership and no ability to ever make money. Mainly because that is what he thinks U.S. TV wants.

Good luck with trying to get the big boys like Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, Philly, NYR, Montreal, Detroit to share their profits with dogs like Phoenix, Florida, NYI, Nashville, Columbus etc. And why should they?

You would think that someone who uses another's middle name to damn him would actually spell it correctly.
- StLBravesFan

okay, i see where this is going.............................back to hockey?? please!
ps. then what is thee kor ect spelling sirrr?

In a pinch, there is room for 3 in Canada - one in the Toronto area for certain; one in Quebec City largely because the game is loved there but not because it is a big city or very wealthy; and a regional team in Saskatchewan playing out Saskatoon and Regina. The farm boys out there are sitting on loads of oil and gas, potash and uranium mines and a whole bunch of grain production. The team would be loved and supported like a new born child forever. Money is no issue there.

The problem is that putting more teams in Canada doesn't meet the Gary Bettman vision of his NHL, which means continuing to maintain or stuff teams into questionable markets with no hockey history, weak ownership and no ability to ever make money. Mainly because that is what he thinks U.S. TV wants.

Good luck with trying to get the big boys like Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, Philly, NYR, Montreal, Detroit to share their profits with dogs like Phoenix, Florida, NYI, Nashville, Columbus etc. And why should they?
- RickJ

But can the Saskatchewan cities sell out the suites? Are there enough farm boys with oil willing to do $100,000 plus for suites?

Besides TV, that's where the stadium money is. That's why new stadiums are so important - need to be able to put in - and sell - suites and premium seating.

In a pinch, there is room for 3 in Canada - one in the Toronto area for certain; one in Quebec City largely because the game is loved there but not because it is a big city or very wealthy; and a regional team in Saskatchewan playing out Saskatoon and Regina. The farm boys out there are sitting on loads of oil and gas, potash and uranium mines and a whole bunch of grain production. The team would be loved and supported like a new born child forever. Money is no issue there.

The problem is that putting more teams in Canada doesn't meet the Gary Bettman vision of his NHL, which means continuing to maintain or stuff teams into questionable markets with no hockey history, weak ownership and no ability to ever make money. Mainly because that is what he thinks U.S. TV wants.

Good luck with trying to get the big boys like Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, Philly, NYR, Montreal, Detroit to share their profits with dogs like Phoenix, Florida, NYI, Nashville, Columbus etc. And why should they?
- RickJ

RJ

Any idea if the venue in Saskatoon is up to NHL standards? I know the next Memorial cup is being held there and if memory serves me correctly they're installing new glass and boards..

In a pinch, there is room for 3 in Canada - one in the Toronto area for certain; one in Quebec City largely because the game is loved there but not because it is a big city or very wealthy; and a regional team in Saskatchewan playing out Saskatoon and Regina. The farm boys out there are sitting on loads of oil and gas, potash and uranium mines and a whole bunch of grain production. The team would be loved and supported like a new born child forever. Money is no issue there.

The problem is that putting more teams in Canada doesn't meet the Gary Bettman vision of his NHL, which means continuing to maintain or stuff teams into questionable markets with no hockey history, weak ownership and no ability to ever make money. Mainly because that is what he thinks U.S. TV wants.

Good luck with trying to get the big boys like Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, Philly, NYR, Montreal, Detroit to share their profits with dogs like Phoenix, Florida, NYI, Nashville, Columbus etc. And why should they?
- RickJ

Great post, especially the last paragraph.

In a pinch, there is room for 3 in Canada - one in the Toronto area for certain; one in Quebec City largely because the game is loved there but not because it is a big city or very wealthy; and a regional team in Saskatchewan playing out Saskatoon and Regina. The farm boys out there are sitting on loads of oil and gas, potash and uranium mines and a whole bunch of grain production. The team would be loved and supported like a new born child forever. Money is no issue there.

The problem is that putting more teams in Canada doesn't meet the Gary Bettman vision of his NHL, which means continuing to maintain or stuff teams into questionable markets with no hockey history, weak ownership and no ability to ever make money. Mainly because that is what he thinks U.S. TV wants.

Good luck with trying to get the big boys like Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, Philly, NYR, Montreal, Detroit to share their profits with dogs like Phoenix, Florida, NYI, Nashville, Columbus etc. And why should they?
- RickJ

rick, that last paragraph is the REAL reason why all of this is happening! spot fricken on!!

But can the Saskatchewan cities sell out the suites? Are there enough farm boys with oil willing to do $100,000 plus for suites?

Besides TV, that's where the stadium money is. That's why new stadiums are so important - need to be able to put in - and sell - suites and premium seating.
- StLBravesFan

They support everything in the Province of Saskatchewan. They have a new arena in Saskatoon and would expand it in a heartbeat to get their own NHL team. And the fans would jump on buses to go see their team play in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and even Vancouver.

But in Gary Bettman's world, they are HICKS. But they are very rich hicks now because of natural resources sitting in the ground that can be sold everywhere in the world.

Remember years ago when there was strong consideration to moving St,Louis to Saskatoon? It is a much wealthier place now.

Bettman and the owners lack all rationality and logic...but are loaded with duplicitous double talking.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...m-works-the-split-doesnt/

RJ

Any idea if the venue in Saskatoon is up to NHL standards? I know the next Memorial cup is being held there and if memory serves me correctly they're installing new glass and boards..
- Beaver-Warrior

Built about 20 years ago, holds about 12000 for hockey. World Juniors were there about 15 yers ago. Every year they have an NHL pre season game or two and of course it is sold out.

All that needs to be done is take the roof off and add more seats to get it to 18-19000 capacity. Piece of cake.

I see what you did there...

For chris'sakes, this is getting as bad as watching commercials of each candidate slinging mud at each other.
- EKolb13

VOTE FOR BOB DOLE.........piss in a hole.....VOTE FOR. BOB DOLE......piss in a hole......LOL. LOL

In a pinch, there is room for 3 in Canada - one in the Toronto area for certain; one in Quebec City largely because the game is loved there but not because it is a big city or very wealthy; and a regional team in Saskatchewan playing out Saskatoon and Regina. The farm boys out there are sitting on loads of oil and gas, potash and uranium mines and a whole bunch of grain production. The team would be loved and supported like a new born child forever. Money is no issue there.

The problem is that putting more teams in Canada doesn't meet the Gary Bettman vision of his NHL, which means continuing to maintain or stuff teams into questionable markets with no hockey history, weak ownership and no ability to ever make money. Mainly because that is what he thinks U.S. TV wants.

Good luck with trying to get the big boys like Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, Philly, NYR, Montreal, Detroit to share their profits with dogs like Phoenix, Florida, NYI, Nashville, Columbus etc. And why should they?
- RickJ

Quebec aside I think you would have a problem fitting another team in Canada within the next 3 -5 yrs....

I know you understand the lay of the land in Canada far better than I but...

What would be incentive for the Maple Leafs to grant permission for another team near them???

The answer would be a ton of dough and from what I know there isn't another building which could be ready for awhile.

Winnipeg was an unusual situation and they will be fine until people can't pay the high ticket prices or if they can figure out the funding for a new arena.

Other places like Saskatoon, there may be money I agree but...When would they have an adequate building?

Same issue in States...There is one building in the 3rd largest mkt in the US which could effectively house an NHL team...the UC.

If there were more arena's available here and up North the owners would have their biggest fear come to fruition....

Competition from another league....Then the players wouldn't have to worry about a lockout they could just walk away.

The Vancouver blogger proposed a Luongo for Zetterberg.....anyone think that's going to happen

Built about 20 years ago, holds about 12000 for hockey. World Juniors were there about 15 yers ago. Every year they have an NHL pre season game or two and of course it is sold out.

All that needs to be done is take the roof off and add more seats to get it to 18-19000 capacity. Piece of cake.
- RickJ

I just posted above....18,000 works only of they can keep charging very high prices and the NHL should discourage any buildings that small.

But if stuck they would let it slide like they did in Winnipeg.

San Jose sold out every game and I think their capacity is about 18-19K...
They lost $15 mill last season.

The Vancouver blogger proposed a Luongo for Zetterberg.....anyone think that's going to happen
- southernhawk

Only if Detroit throws in Jimmy Howard.

Quebec aside I think you would have a problem fitting another team in Canada within the next 3 -5 yrs....

I know you understand the lay of the land in Canada far better than I but...

What would be incentive for the Maple Leafs to grant permission for another team near them???

The answer would be a ton of dough and from what I know there isn't another building which could be ready for awhile.Winnipeg was an unusual situation and they will be fine until people can't pay the high ticket prices or if they can figure out the funding for a new arena.

Other places like Saskatoon, there may be money I agree but...When would they have an adequate building?

Same issue in States...There is one building in the 3rd largest mkt in the US which could effectively house an NHL team...the UC.

If there were more arena's available here and up North the owners would have their biggest fear come to fruition....

Competition from another league....Then the players wouldn't have to worry about a lockout they could just walk away.
- Al

The Maple leafs will never concede their territorial right for any amount of money and can afford any lawsuit anybody throws at them.
But there is a new NHL size arena being constructed in Markham - just east of Toronto. Should be able to Google the details.

And another thing - putting another team near Toronto would be at the risk of hurting the Buffalo Sabres which depend on Canadian fans for a good part of their game to game attendance.

Winnipeg arena is new and was expanded to get up to 15000. They take in more $ per game than the Thrashers did in 10 games.

I just posted above....18,000 works only of they can keep charging very high prices and the NHL should discourage any buildings that small.

But if stuck they would let it slide like they did in Winnipeg.

San Jose sold out every game and I think their capacity is about 18-19K...
They lost $15 mill last season.
- Al

Again, suites?

UC, I THINK, has about 100 suites/skyboxes/whatever that they sell for - well, I don't know, but it brings in tons of revenue, split somehow between the Hawks and Bulls. It's a lot of revenue for a small pied-a-terre.

Does MTS is Winnepeg have suites? Would Saskatoon?