To Canadians only?

Question

Do you guys up there think Gary Bettman is nti-Canadian.
I mean didn't that blackberry guy have a deal for the Pens and the NHL said he could move them anywhere in North America BUT not to Canada? Same with the Preds and now the rumor is they'll move probably to KC.
I havent even heard any Canadian player saying this is wrong.

But Canadians let this happen, whatever happened to having the balls to say something/. Not even one Canadian born player(and they're getting less and less) seems to care. I think it's kind of funny.

like i'm telling you who i am:
yeah ok, works for the blind LOL
what's the excuse for the preds then? LOL

The Canadian government sending a note....lol.. now that is pricelss.

Answer 1

I agree Totally, except answer 2 is somewhat pretentious, and self opinionated...I think most Canadians think Bettman is destroying the game of Hockey!

Answer 2

Although it seems to be that way, I'm still not convinced that Bettman has any anti-Canadian sentiment. If that was the case, I'd be the first one to say he has to go. But, until I am convinced, my theory is that while approving some dreadful changes to the NHL, he seems mostly interested in appeasing the 30 bosses that he has. They want to be more profitable because the players salaries are going up and although the Canadian and American dollars have apparently evened up in value, there seems to be more potential in the United States where there are markets that are untapped for potential revenue streams that can contribute to the operating costs of the current teams. The expansion fees are where the current teams make their money after it has been divvied up. I wouldn't be quick to place the blame on Canadians in general as much as I would say Bettman is a bad commissioner because he is American. First because either accusation is very narrow-minded and secondly it has no place here.

Answer 3

I'll also add that it is against the rules of the CBA for a player to critique the way the the NHL operates as a league. A player would be fined if he were to speak up and their job is to play hockey, not to decide which team should go where. Read a little.
Also, yes, Gary Bettman is anti-Canadian IMO. The difference is that I am allowed to say that.

Answer 4

First of all, the number of Canadians in the league isn't dropping. The percentage might be but at one time EVERY player was Canadian.
Next, the Canadian government may be sending Mr Bettman a note pointing out that there are fair business practice laws on BOTH sides of the border.
As for the players, they are there to earn a living. The only ones who can speak out are the fans and the owners. And what we all fail to acknowledge in the Balsillie situation is the role that MLSE have played in blocking his attempts. They don't want to compete. They already stopped Hamilton from getting a team way back when TB and Ott ended up with teams. As one of the most financially sound teams in hockey they wield a lot of power. The strength of the CBC TV contract is tied directly to the popularity of the TML as much as all the other Canadian teams combined and the CBC TV contract is worth BIG money to the league. They aren't going to mess with MLSE unless the Leafs are happy with what Balsillie will pay to encroach on their territory.

Answer 5

Balsillie had a deal to buy the Penguins, and Mario Lemieux (and it was his right as a member of the Board of Goevernors) asked Gary Bettman to add several measures in writing that Balsillie had previously verbally agreed to. Balsillie balked at these conditions and withdrew his offer. The NHL had voted the sale to Balsillie through, Balsillie just needed to sign the contract.

Mario's agreement with Balsillie hinged on the Penguins staying in Pittsburgh, something verbally agreed to by Balsillie early on in the negotiations

Answer 6

He has demonstrated time and time again he has zero interest in expanding the Canadian market ( where interest is huge) while trying to expand the US market ( where interest is minimal). Nashville barely brings in 13,000 for a game. Basilie wants to move the team to SW Ontario ( the hotbed of hockey). What is interesting is that the NHL would approve a sale of the Preds to an American at a lower price than what Basilie was willing to pay. Its time for Bettman to go...

Answer 7

I totally agree