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The Plot Thickens...
First, let me say that I have never been more confidant there will be a season this year. I'll give you some time...You might want to wipe the coffey (in honor of Paul) off your computer screen. I spent last night talking to some people on both sides, and the two sides are FINALLY in the dance. A deadline has been set. Feb 14...A 30 game season to start March 1 is being scripted...
Goodenow's frustration aside. Not bringing home the deal he promise is just a hiccup in the process. The botton line is I finally got to sit down and talk to some people close and they said concessions have been made, and Goodenow saying "there is no progress" following 11 hours of discussion is just another media play. A staged storming out. If you listen closely the players are telling you this is going to get done. The quotes, even today, are encouraging.
Here is what I have heard. The players would accept a 50 Million Dollar Cap. The owners are at 42...but they are finding a way around this and it goes back to a rumor posted here a while back. The franchise player exception. Think about it. The difference between a 42 and 50 could easily be 1 player. This allows you have a 42-45 million cap with one franchise player that doesn't count against a cap. This will distribute the superstar players throughout the league, and yes the big market teams will be able to get the big guys (the NHL secretly doesn't mind this), but hockey is such a team sport that it is rare that one player will swing the competitive balance. The NHLPA loves this idea because if you take the one big guy out of the cap you don't swallow up 20% of the cap to a single player. This is the big concern the players have. This is the "bone" JR was talking about.
The NHL gets their cost certainty, the players know there will be money for the third and fourth liners. The lower teams will be able to compete. The balance will never get out of control again.
Bottom line is this, and I'm sorry if I repeat myself. The pressure from both sides to get this done is intense. They know that a cancelled season will kill a few teams, and diminish the pot across the board. This will get done. It was almost done yesterday, and Bettman got nervous. He talked to his owners last night. The conference call was only 25 minutes long.
I was told by someone in the Flyers organization he feels "very confidant and relieved" this morning.
The fans are still going to ride the roller coaster for one more week. I get many e-mails from people saying that they are getting sick over this. My suggestion, stay away until February 15th. If you are the kind of fan that bleeds hockey pucks this is painful. If you are someone who owns your own business or negotiates for a living, this is just another day in the office.
For now, go out have fun! These past two days were painful. Have a beer and rent "Miracle."
