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For most Detroit fans, this summer continues to pivot around Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Until those deals are done, the landscape remains a bit murky. In
the previous entry Yzerman’s full presser is available to watch and some key takeaways were available:
The GM didn’t sound confident on Gostisbehere. His power play prowess brings a lot of value to the market and there are contending teams rumored to want his services.
One journalist asked about the deals for Mo and Razor, of course Yzerman wouldn’t detail exactly what has been discussed. The assumption within the question was 8 year deals for both. However, early in the year there seemed to be hints that 4 year deals may pop up quite a bit around the league. Until we hear word from either camp, just sit tight.
When asked about moving up or down in the draft, the GM did admit that calls are made nearly every year (and were this year) on the appetite for teams to move up or move back if the offering is right. This was his only concern about next year’s decentralized draft. Some of those pick swaps come right down to the wire as teams try to figure out if their desired player will be available.
*at this point a Bally Sports update is being discussed. Stop reading here if you’re not interested.
A friend was good enough to send me two links late last night. I spent almost 5 hours just chewing on them. For the NHL
Nashville is exploring options in anticipation of a possible Bally Sports shut down. Arizona (now Utah) and Chicago both left the provider as the bankruptcy hearings weren’t going well for the provider.
ESPN is now chiming in as Minnesota fans with Comcast have been unable to watch 47 games and the issue is making it to the politicians. Many of you know from past entries, Comcast has refused to allow Diamond (Bally’s ownership entity) to be on the service for months.
Since the filing, Arizona, Sandiego and Colorado have negotiated their rights directly with MLB with Texas, Cleveland and Minnesota expected to do the same in the off season. While the NBA seems to be looking at a similar model that would remove most RSNs, the NHL seems far less prepared. I reached out to one individual who has some (not extensive) knowledge of Detroit’s situation and hope of resolution for Bally’s still seems to be status quo.
Within 5 to 6 weeks it may all come to a head if Diamond/Bally’s is ultimately dissolved. The 8 billion in debt along with missed payments is substantial. With a year to look at other options and now down to just over two months, NHL and NBA teams may start to try and figure out short and long term fixes. By this time next year, even ESPN may be fully off of cable and into a stand alone streaming model per Disney CEO Bob Iger on the past 3 earnings calls.
Baseball wants to be done with RSNs, the NHL may have to make a difficult decision. As always, let me know your thoughts as this finally winds down. Has the league and individual markets waited too long, or is there a viable solution that can be up and running by September/October.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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