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There is no way I sympathize with the players, and I find it hard to do the same with the owners. Both parties created this mess, and only one side wants to admit it.
I believe in a union environment to keep the “suits” in check. I have worked in a manufacturing environment with a union, and done properly, the union is a powerful tool.
The owners did a big part to bring this on themselves. I remember when the Rangers submitted an insane contract proposal to Joe Sakic, knowing Colorado was trying to re-sign him. The Rangers did this to prevent the Avalanche from signing anymore free agents that year. Colorado had no choice but to match the ridiculous (at the time) amount.
The NHLPA, of course, loved this as it meant more $$ in their coffers. Add in the fact that UFA contracts are routinely based on getting more $ than what someone deemed comparable just got, and the NHLPA is really sitting happy. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that the way contracts are going, it is going to bleed to league dry. Smaller market teams can’t compete with teams like Colorado, Detroit, Philly (I love the fact that the NY Rangers have such a lrge payroll, and can’t make it into the playoffs), even though two smaller market teams were in the Stanley Cup finals (this is definitely not the norm). Families can’t afford to go to games (this used to not be the case).
I am a die-hard hockey fan. My team (the Pittsburgh Penguins) needs a good CBA to help stay in the ‘burgh. I would love for someone from the players’ side to realize that they are getting a decent amount of money for playing a game.
Until then, I’m just going to have to settle on watching the local AHL team – The Norfolk Admirals.
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