Why All the Hate?

I understand why most people dislike Gary Bettman, the commissioner of the National Hockey League.  He is a monotone speaker, who uses large words that sometimes make even the smartest fans a little confused.  He also sounds cold and emotionless when he speaks.  I totally understand how someone can dislike him.   Take the personality away from Bettman and examine whats left. A smart business man who has really transformed hockey into a great game that it currently is.


I'm a stats person, and they really tell the story in this case.  When Bettman took over the commissioners job back in 1993, the league was making $400 million a year.  In 18 years that has risen to a staggering 3 billion dollars.

Also, Bettman expanded 4 teams in to the United States (Atlanta, Columbus, Nashville, and Minnesota) None of these teams have had real success, but still 4 solid franchises none the less. ** Note: Anaheim and Florida were given teams before Bettman took over as commissioner**

Bettman also relocated 4 teams, Winnipeg to Phoenix, Hartford to North Carolina, Minnesota to Dallas, and Quebec to Colorado.   Out of these 4 teams, three of them went on to win the Stanley Cup (Colorado, Dallas, and Carolina).  That is some pretty good success, that's for sure.

Something else to take in to consideration is the TV deal they have in the US.   They manage to sign a 10 year deal with Comcast for 2 billion dollars.  This is great for the NHL in the states.  Exposure is what they need.  They need to get into every nook and cranny in the US to squeeze out every dollar they can.
  
My point is, Bettman is not perfect, nor has he done every single thing right in his tenure, BUT he has made this game better than it ever has been.  The parity in the NHL these days is awesome.  I love going into a season not knowing who is going to make the playoffs, or win the Stanley Cup.   Take a look at the L.A. Kings. They were considering trading away their roster players to stock up for next year, but decided at the last minute to add a few key players, and BAM, they are parading around the world this summer with the Stanley Cup!

The NHL is growing, and its growing big, and fast!  And it's all thanks to Gary Bettman, and of course the money paying fans!

A Whole Different Ball Game

I'm not surprised when someone comes up to me and says "If there is another lockout this year in the NHL, I'm going to give up on Hockey".  I only have 2 things to say to people who tell me that.  1) Go ahead, stop watching NHL Hockey, it's your loss, not the NHL's.  2)  You'll be back, they always come back!

The NHL had it's last labor dispute in 2004-2005 and what happened after that?  NHL franchises soared in value, attendance in the league was up, and so was the revenues.  I remember everyone saying how they lost interest because of the lockout when it certainly wasn't the case when the numbers were crunched.   The Canadiens enjoyed the most benefits after the lockout (2005-2010) with their franchise value rose up by 128%.  The Leafs also soared in value up 86% in value as well.

I can only speak for myself when I say this, but this is what I think.  I love hockey.  I watch the NHL because it is entertaining.  I could not care any less then I already do about the revenues, or how greedy one side is over the other.  If the NHL is canceled for a season, I'll do what I did last time.  Watch the OHL and wait patiently until the CBA is resolved and NHL hockey comes back.

The way the players presented their counter proposal, it looks like they are willing to work with the NHL.  We are already way past the spot they were last time at this point.  They say they are still way off, but I don't think the owners really want a lock out to last all season, ready for it? Yes, but want it? No.

Some of the points listed in the NHLPA's proposal were interesting but really dumb.  For example the draft pick idea for struggling teams is pretty awful.  Just because the NHL has put a team in a market that can't handle a team, does not mean the NHL should be able to hand out draft picks to that team.

Something I did like though was the fact that financially struggling teams can trade/sell cap space away.  This would allow a team to not have to spend to the floor if they are in super financial troubles.  Also allow a team to get an extra player if they are at the cap upper limit.

It's safe to assume that October NHL Hockey is a wash.  I'm thinking that there will be hockey by Christmas, but who knows with these guys.