NHL on path for a major collapse

[rh71]

I'm still trying to figure out when to actually cheer during a basketball game. Field goal... yay... 2 POINTS ! Sweet!!!!!! There'll be 40 more of those...

 

[Squisher]

Are there any hockey fans that aren't hardcore fans?

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: Squisher
Are there any hockey fans that aren't hardcore fans?

sure there are. even some uncles of mine attend games and make it a family event. they like the game enough to want to pay nearly $100 for the night's experience... what do you think ?

 

[rh71]

It might not pay to play elsewhere

By Kara Yorio - SportingNews

These "options" helping NHL players dig in their heels for a long labor battle may not be viable for everybody. European leagues and the new World Hockey Association want players to commit to a full season.

The WHA, scheduled to begin play in October, is signing only unrestricted free agents and unsigned restricted free agents -- and a one-year commitment is mandatory. Though there's still the possibility of a partial NHL season, only UFAs and unsigned RFAs can sign full-season deals in Europe without fear. If the NHL starts up and a player under contract continues to play for his European team, he will be in breach of his NHL contract and subject to unpaid suspension or termination of the contract. Think ahead, though. Would it be so bad for a European player to play at home for a year, risk having his contract terminated and then become a free agent? Not a bad choice for anyone not making the kind of insane money that won't be around in the new NHL world.

Veterans playing in the World Cup could happily rest for a few months before putting the skates back on. If there's no deal by January, there can't be an NHL season.

Personally I think of the WHA as a good threat to the NHL in getting them to work something out... but I hope the WHA doesn't happen. They don't exactly sound completely organized and ready to hit the big time.