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*quick update - DirecTV and ESPN/Disney have reached new agreement. Going through the numbers now. A big part of the deal is that the new ESPN streaming platform launching next year will be free with DirecTV subscription for a limited time. Pricing for the platform is rumored to start around $45 on the ad tier.
yesterday I wrote about the prospect game between Detroit and Dallas happening today and tomorrow. Redwings TV and social media are supposed to be carrying the feed that starts at 6 p.m. tonight.
I wasn’t going to do a new write up but a
rumor regarding Lucas Raymond caught my eye and my attention. Friedman reported that Razor is looking to match Stutzle’s deal with 8.35mm AAV. The assumption that revenues are going to keep going up has had an interesting effect and this is one of them.
I love Raymond’s game, he’s come out swinging and hit 30 goals in his 3rd year. However, there is a big buzz on the horizon. Three sports blackouts in a single year and 10B per year being split between the NBA and WNBA in broadcast money. Most of you know that DirecTV isn’t carrying ESPN while they debate and it’s now in court. Very similar to the Charter deal last year. Bally’s is its own issue and the standoff with Comcast took a toll.
In short, the WNBA is now getting 5x the deal Bettman got with ESPN/Turner/Bally’s starting next year. 2.5B for the WNBA, 550m for the NHL. 7.5B for the NBA. Something’s got to give and we have to hope that Raymond’s camp will either bridge or loosen the reins a bit.
In that same article you’ll see this blip:
* NHL player agent Allen Walsh also tweeted in regard to Whitehead’s news saying that he’s heard from several NCAA head coaches who expected that there will be former CHL players dressing in the NCAA as early as next season. The current NCAA eligibility rules don’t allow any player who has played a major junior hockey game to play college hockey in the United States, however, the aforementioned class action lawsuit could turn that rule on its head depending on how it plays out.
If jr pro players can now go to the NCAA this is a much bigger deal than it seems like. We saw Malhotra send his son to college and former players are seeing a big advantage in that model. The CHL has the frustration of losing stars as they develop and those teams do everything they can to build a consistent product. After we saw two ECHL teams shut down at the end of last year it takes a toll on those communities. The court ruling is still panning out, but this is one to keep an eye on.
One random note, Soderstrom is finalizing a deal overseas after Utah failed to convince the player to stay or get a deal done to move him. This is a dman I’d like to see Yzerman take a look at. Yes, Axel Sandin Pellikka is coming but this is still at least worth looking into (opinion). Utah has a mountain to climb with a team that just months ago was in Arizona. Coming up with all the gear and framework in such a short time must have been an incredible undertaking.
Let me know your thoughts on Raymond’s rumored ask, what the new NCAA eligibility could mean if implemented and what you hope to see tonight. Thanks again to all who stop by! The puck hits the ice in Traverse City tonight.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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