But I don't believe the doomsayers who say it's depriving the league of talent. You're not losing NHL players. But to the extent that there are players who choose not to develop here, that's something we'll evaluate long-term over the course of the contract. |
Contraction is a plan to buy back franchises and essentially put them out of business. We have no interest in contraction as a strategic matter or a bargaining strategy, ... We believe 30 franchises can be healthy given the economic right system. The bottom line is if we don't get the right system, we are at risk of losing franchises. |
Even with an eighth-grade education, he probably has more experience than some kids coming out of law school. |
From the league's perspective, we have put into place a program this year and we think it's going to be a very effective program. Luckily, we don't have a problem with doping in our sport. |
Hopefully, we can continue and build off of that. |
I believe we're a lot closer to the same philosophies than they are portraying now. Were there points in those meetings when both sides were clearly frustrated and Trevor was clearly frustrated? Absolutely, and I understand that. I can only take that back and try to process that and try to find a way to satisfy the concerns he was raising. We're trying to craft something that will work for both sides. And I can tell you that I think we're a lot closer than they're suggesting we are. |
I can come up with a seventh, I just need a starting point. |
I expect that we will continue discussing financial and accounting issues, and perhaps additional topics. |
I remain optimistic for two reasons. One is it's not as if we haven't done anything to date. We have done a lot of the work that needs to be done in these types of negotiations. I also believe there is an understanding on the other side with respect to the issues that are facing the game. The only thing we need to get our arms around and come to an agreement on, and I'm not going to suggest it's insignificant, is what's the proper way to resolve these issues. |
I think the importance of meeting quickly after the season cancellation in an effort to get a deal done as soon as possible is maybe we can take some germs of where there was agreement before the season cancellation and build on those, but time will tell. |
I'm afraid our gas prices aren't helping things. We certainly can't blame the weather. The attendance is a little light. |
In a lot of respects, the litigation was the sole remaining vestige of a year-long labor dispute that was difficult for us and for our fans. It was time to turn the page and move on. |
In addition to the rule changes, we went out of our way with the players association to make the attitude and environment around the NHL different than in the past. |
In terms of the effect of, for lack of a better term, capping minor-league salaries at $75,000, that was clearly not the intent of the provision but I suppose I'm not surprised by the impact of the provision, |
Injuries are also an issue and a concern of our clubs and our players. |