The NHLPA is full of a bunch of selfish bastards

[Perfect Stu]

They rejected a VERY reasonable counter offer from the NHL, mainly because it calls for a higher pay cut for the players making $4 million+ per year, and LESS of a pay cut for players making less than $2 million per year.

The NHLPA offered to reduce all contracts by 24%...the NHL's offer would reduce 91% of all contracts by that 24% or less, and the other 9% would represent the highest paid players, which would have to take more than a 24% paycut.

Honestly, I've had enough of this sh*t. I love hockey as much as the next person, but I havent missed the NHL this year one bit. I've had more time to watch football and basketball, and I never even think about hockey. MAYBE that will change come April-May, but I doubt it. That's not why I'm pissed off...I'm pissed off because I know a LOT of people really look forward to the hockey season. It's a tradition, and they dont really care for the NFL or NBA like myself. Meanwhile, these SOB's are pouting over $500,000 a year when they're already earning multiple millions.

*flips off the majority of the NHLPA*

[Typhoid]

Im watching the Bettman interview thingy now...and yeah, I completely agree that the Players Accosiation is the problem.

They were 54% of the friggin revenue. 54 frigging percent.

I love also how the players go to Europe to "Stay fit"...yet they are playing for like....1 million over there. So why...are they taking huge pay cuts in Europe while taking food off of players tables who need the money to get by?

The NHLPA doesnt understand that in Europe, they are the scabs.

I say next year, no matter what, they use replacement players.

Thats what the NHLPA needs. They need a threat to their job. If Bettman shows that he doesnt need the NHLPA players to have a league, the Players will probably accept almost any offer.

[Perfect Stu]

Originally Posted by Typhoid

Thats what the NHLPA needs. They need a threat to their job. If Bettman shows that he doesnt need the NHLPA players to have a league, the Players will probably accept almost any offer.

problem is, both you and I know that he DOES need them to have an NHL worth supporting

but I dont think this is about leverage anymore...this has come to "I wont accept less than ____, no matter what." Complete, Irish-stubbornness (I can say that because I'm a stubborn Irishman )

Somehow, they just need to realize what's in best interest for EVERYONE involved with the NHL.

[Typhoid]

Originally Posted by Perfect Stu

Somehow, they just need to realize what's in best interest for EVERYONE involved with the NHL.

But according to the NHLPA, more money solves everyones problem. I dont understand their brains. Is 2 or 3 million not a living wage? What kind of food do you have to eat to starve on a 3 million salary?

The NHLPA (Like Bettman said) is calling everything to do with money a "Salary Cap". But thats not what they are doing.

A cap is one set limit for each team.
What Bettman and company are, and have been showing, is a "Salary Range". A range, based on revenue to cost for each team.

But I say, no matter what, 100%, they use replacement players next year. Not one player from the NHLPA can be in the league.

But this will be solved before the Olympics. No NHLPA player can play in the olympics, so I think they will kinda panic about that. Possibly.

On a side note, I respect Paul Kariya. He was making about 6 to 7 million ( i think) in Anaheim, and he took a 6 million paycut (He made 1.3 or something) so he could play in Colorado with Selanne.

More players should be like him...whats that word? Not selfish?

[Stonecutter]

The players and their greed most defiantly are at fault here for the extended lock out, but the owners/Bettmen's incompetence is the reason why the league didn't have enough money/fans to support itself.

[Typhoid]

Originally Posted by Stonecutter

The players and their greed most defiantly are at fault here for the extended lock out, but the owners/Bettmen's incompetence is the reason why the league didn't have enough money/fans to support itself.

Not enough fans? HA!

*Remembers there are American teams*

Oh yeah.

Well, all I know is most Canadian teams sell out practically every single game.

Hooray.

Speaking of teams, they need huge contraction in the Southern US.

Cities where they dont even frigging get snow or ice. Like Phoenix, LA, Nashville, Atlanta, Anaheim, Florida, Tampa Bay.

Its not that all those places dont get snow, its just that they have other major sports in the market. So it wouldnt hurt if they left.

[Perfect Stu]

Originally Posted by Stonecutter

The players and their greed most defiantly are at fault here for the extended lock out, but the owners/Bettmen's incompetence is the reason why the league didn't have enough money/fans to support itself.

you're right.

the NHL is a poorly run organization, the NFL makes it look like a bunch of buddies got together with hockey monopoly money and messed around for a while.

that's been the case for a long time, though. I'm a firm believer in the salary cap system, it makes the term "any given sunday" actually mean something.

but at this point, it's all water under the bridge...and it's clear to everyone (including yourself, obviously) that it is on the players to pony up and make the best out of the situation.

[Joeiss]

The NFL's cap works so well because they get so much revenue from television... many times more than the NHL...

Oh wait, I might have to eat my words, lol. NHL doesn't include TV revenue in individual team's revenue... Does NFL?

Anyways... I like the rollbacks that the NHL introduced today... With players uner 800K a year not getting the rollback, and those above 5 million getting a 35% roll back. They should make the luxury task $1 per every $1 over 36Million. I think that would work...

[Null]

i WISH they'd use replacment players. i think that would be one hell of an interesting season to watch.

[Joeiss]

Where do coaches fit into the equation? Are they still getting paid?