Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMentat
Gary Bettman is doing a fine job. The salary cap system he put in place brings about the cost certainty that is needed for smaller (Canadian) teams and markets to survive, and is probably the best thing to happen to the NHL in decades.
Regarding the "Hamilton hockey team" thing, there are two ways to get a new team in that market:
1) let a potential new owner buy a bankrupt team for pennies on the dollar and move it
2) hold an auction for potential owners to bid on a new franchise in the new market, with the proceeds going to the league
Obviously Jim Balsillie would rather pursue the first option cause it is much cheaper, and he has resorted to painting Bettman as "anti-Canadian" to try to get his way. However, Bettman works for the league. As such, it is his duty to pursue the option that is most profitable for the league (ie. option 2).
Its just business...
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A fine job? You can't be serious. The salary cap does not work. Consider that GB broke the union, but failed to put in place a structure that was appropriate considering their bargaining position. Salaries have continued to rise, players make more money, and get free agency earlier. The floor is way too high for small market/failed market teams, and cap is too low for the high income teams. It has not brought about 'parity', it has made the small market owners unhappy, while the top teams are unhappy making equalization payments.
His changes to the structure of the game are a push. Some like them, some hate them. I can live with them.
His position on Hamilton is unrealistic given that no one in their right mind would pay an expansion fee in 2009 or any time in the near future. There are simply too many weak teams floundering in red ink. (Teams that GB added to the league as part of his failed 'southern expansion'. ) I agree that the league owns the franchise rights. Tell me why it is a good thing to drive away a billionaire that loves hockey. (Or in the alternative tell me who could/should replace him in Phoenix)
And let's review the ownership issues under GB. a) Bruce McNall b) Buffalo (rescued by Galisano for now), c) Ottawa (basically bankrupt) d) Disney in (with 1/2 their payment directed to McNall) and then out because GB could not deliver on his promises e) Tampa (sold last year and now desperately short of cash already) f) Boots Delbiagio (who passed GB's due diligence then proceeeded to jail) g) the Anaheim Ducks owner - busted and on and on and on. He also allowed owners to loan money to other teams contrary to the league rules. He allowed Calgary to finish the season dressing 15 players per game when the contractual minimum is 18. Why? Salary cap issues.
A core of powerful owners (Philly, Boston, NY, Toronto) support GB. That support
HAS to be crumbling as the leagues position becomes more and more embarrassing. There are hole sin the dike and GB only has so many fingers.
He is a little man who does not understand the roots of hockey and he is destroying a great game.
But yes, it is just a business. A business which shrinks every year....
The 'monkey' is passionate about hockey.
