Dylan Larkin’s frustration caught some Red Wings fans by surprise. The content wasn’t a shock, but the format seemed to have a divisive feel. The Captain used a press conference to communicate a sentiment normally reserved for team meetings and closed door sessions. The hockey world seems to have caught up to the NFL, NBA in terms of using camera time to force coaches, management, owners and even league officials to deal have more than just internal discussions on serious issues.
Player agents know exactly what to sayas demonstrated by Alexander Nikishin’s camp who let the hockey world know that a 2 week old contract still hadn’t been registered with the NHL. Carolina, who have a gem in coach Brind’amour, seem to deal with “leaks” and statements as much as any team. Before this, the acquisition of Rantanen became an ugly story line as his displeasure with the trade and unwillingness to extend finally forced a move and the “there are 4 teams I’ll sign with and Carolina isn’t one of them” line was revealed.
While it’s not new (Wisnewski famously turning down a visit to Detroit saying they didn’t pay players what they’re worth) it’s gathered steam. Over the summer, players would comment on their worth and how they owed it to the rest of the players to make sure they were paid accordingly. GMs continue to try and avoid negotiating through the press, but the effectiveness seems to be undeniable.
For Detroit, an uncomfortable situation could be on the way. Fans saw negotiations with Seider and Raymond go long enough that Raymond missed part of training camp and Seider missed all of it. If Edvinsson has a big year, if Kasper’s play takes another step forward, the presumptive cap rise could push those deals to a tough bargaining position as well. Sandin-Pellikka will be getting on the ELC clock soon, and IF something throws the cap growth estimates off, it’s going to be a tough few years of 2nd contracts.
For now, Larkin has put the front office on alert. Get better. Give the top two lines some bottom 6 support and fix the defense. The players are talking and there’s at least a handful of unhappy campers that need to be addressed.
So, as always, let me know your thoughts. The pendulum of negotiating has swung toward the players. GMs and coaches now have to contend with a sea of voices and criticism in a league where silence and “fog of war” were highly valued by that side of the equation. Is the landscape forever changed, or will the next CBA see an attempt by owners try to regain some footing? Ultimately, fans pay to see players. Some will overplay their hand, some will hit the bullseye. It will be an interesting ride, to be certain.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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