There is nothing that hockey fans fear more than another lockout.
When the NHL returned after the cancellation of the 2004-05 season, the average attendance around the league began to steadily increase back to early 1990’s numbers. Hockey continues to take a back seat to baseball and football, but its popularity has made headway into gaining national attention again. Events like the recent Winter Classic have aided in that resurgence.
With the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire in September of this year, there is a possibility for another work stoppage if the NHL and NHLPA can’t come to an agreement on new terms.
Tonight, the NHLPA fired the opening salvo in the discussion by announcing they would not approve the NHL’s realignment plans.
In December, the NHL announced plans to change the six division system to a four conference system that would realign teams by time zone to improve TV schedules for a number of franchises.
The current head of the NHLPA, Donald Fehr, explained in a statement that the two main concerns players have with the realignment is the increase in travel that could result and the playoff format.
He argued that because the NHL failed to provide them with data explaining what the implications were, the NHLPA felt they had to react accordingly. Mike Weaver, defenseman for the Florida Panthers, said as much to George Richards of the Miami Herald. “How can you make an educated decision without the information? We asked and were upfront with them. We weren’t provided anything. They weren’t open for discussion. The PA is looking out for us. Travel is an important thing… I think we’re being fair with them. They don’t want to divulge anything to us.”
The NHL has spun this such that the NHLPA “acted unreasonably in violation of the League’s rights.”
As a result, any potential realignment will not start until the 2013-14 season at the earliest. This may end up working out better in the long run because the ownership of the Phoenix Coyotes is still a question mark, but it means the Atlanta Thrashers Winnipeg Jets will once again remain in the Southeast Division.
The arguments produced by the NHLPA make sense, especially in the larger context of the CBA talks. One just has to hope that Gary Bettman and the rest of the league executives don’t take out their frustrations on the 2012-13 ticketholders.
They need to eliminate about 2 Franchises.. Just too many Teams..
Does California need 3 Clubs (LA, Anaheim & San Jose ) and Florida with 2 Teams (Tampa and South Florida)
Eliminate one of the Southern California Teams and 1 of the Florida teams
based on Attendance, Financial Stability and Facilities..
Some have suggested that could even be an NHL negotiation… contract the league meaning less spots for players. I think the California teams are fine and the Panthers have begun selling out crowds now that the team is competitive.
The Phoenix Coyotes need to go as do one of the New York Islanders or Dallas Stars, based on attendance.
Josh is right. I am originally from CA, so I am a big Kings fan. All 3 of those teams have pretty solid fanbases and are usually competitive. The Coyotes should definitely go.