what do you like/dislike about the current NHL collective bargaining agreement?

Question

I see a number of anti-bettman posts and people decrying the current CBA, but they don't explain what they dislike about it.

Answer 1

I don't know if the salary cap is a good idea or not. Sure, it makes it easier for smaller market cities to compete, but it might also artifically prop up a few franchises that really aren't that strong financially. But if it helps the Canadian franchises, then I'd say it's probably a good idea. Its too bad that there wasn't a cap before teams like Winnipeg had to move... and I'm really glad that it helped the Oilers. I've got kind of a soft spot for them, since they're all that's left of the old WHA.

Answer 2

1. The lockout itself: it never should have happened. Regardless of how it turned out, we lost a year of hockey. Bettman was in part responsible for this. His poor relations with the NHLPA and his bad attitude had a DIRECT impact on the talks that resulted in a deal that EASILY could have occurred months earlier not happening until it was too late. If the league had fired Bettman BEFORE the negotiations, and the NHLPA had dumped Goodenow, things may have been different.

2. The collective agreement creates a terrible free agent situation. Pittsburgh Penguins can basically kiss Sydney Crosby good-bye when he is in his prime, because he'll be eligible for free agency. It is going to be more and more difficult to maintain a team identify or keep star players.

3. The cap is already not working. Every year it goes up based on revenues, but most of those revenues go to the teams with the most money. Some teams, like Edmonton, are already having problems keeping up. That is why they had to cough up Ryan Smyth. It will only get worse. I have been really happy with the parity the new cba created, but I assure you it is temporary.

4. One of the "excuses" with the cba is that it was SUPPOSED to result in lower ticket prices. I knew this was a lie from the beginning. Prices are still too high. The only difference is that the money is going straight into the pockets of the owners, instead of to the payrolls. Instead of Toronto and Detroit and New York paying $60 million on payroll or more, they are paying $40 million and pocketing the rest. Why should they get all the money? Why do the players not deserve more of that? Why is everyone against the players getting the money THEY bring to these teams? I'll never get that. Meanwhile, we're still overpaying to see hockey games. I've stopped going. I, for one, cannot compete with a corporation.

5. The television package Bettman got in the States is a joke. It is ludicrous and pathetic. Hardly anyone in the states can see the games they want to see without forking out a ton of money on the hockey package. Everyone can't afford it. Meanwhile, we're stuck with the awful Versus coverage, and an occasional weekend game on NBC. Whoopity doo.

6. And where is the better image of the league? Where is the better exposure? Where is the better advertising? Where are the better ticket sales? Bettman promised all of these things, and he has NOT done his job and delivered it. These were things he promised 15 years ago. I can't believe he's been around this long. It is amazing how someone so incompetent can survive for so long. It doesn't say much about the league leadership and administration.

That's six good reasons to hate Bettman. I am sure if I had some time I could cook up some more.

(Thanks for the reminder rphil04. I'll take those heart pills right away! LOL!)

Answer 3

Mr. Taco said it all.

Give him the points.

As soon as he takes his blood pressure medication. J/K