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If you missed thoughts on upcoming free agents as well as prospects that may be looking at grabbing a spot, you can take a look and let me know your thoughts.
This blog has made it fairly clear on personal feelings regarding in season tournaments. The stance is simple, not a big fan. However, if this is something players want to do and negotiate the right to do it go ahead. In the past that has felt a bit like a minority view (definitely not popular with any corporate offices) now it seems the shine is dimming a bit for other fans.
Pro Hockey Rumors did their “mailbag” segment. Understanding that the author probably gets more material than they can print, here are quotes directly from and attributed to Brian La Rose in his write up (*further legal disclaimer, these were asked and published by the aforementioned author and website):
First Question: Black Ace57: It feels like the only people excited for the 4 Nations are media members promoting it. It doesn’t compare to the World Juniors or the Olympics. Instead of trying to copy other international tournaments has the NHL considered doing anything like the NBA in-season tournament?
*head to the article for the response.
Second Question:
Pyramid Headcrab: What’s the real reason for the winter break every season? Obviously, players need a break from travel, and fair dinkum… But is that something they negotiated in the collective agreement? Or does the break exist for a different, but equally practical, reason?
Cuz I think we all know nobody cares about the All-Star Game or the Four Nations Whatever.
*head to the article for response
Third Question:
FearTheWilson: If a player happens to receive a suspension during the Snore Nation’s tournament, does the suspension carry over to the NHL season or does it count towards international play?
There are two more questions related to the tournament, neither positive. One to do with players not going (and if a deal was cut) and one questions a player that was picked. To be honest, it was surprising to see the candid criticism. The All Star game has been getting less and less interest. The Winter Class, well, here’s that chart:
The loss of views actually caused
The NHL to move the tournament to New Year’s Eve where even across 2 platforms it had its lowest ever rating at 920k, now it’s being moved to January 2nd.
In all honesty, the Winter Classic started strong and then started the downhill run with the switch to TNT adding some speed. What hurt it for “yours truly” was the addition of other outdoor games. Having one was special, so let’s add a stadium series. Now other teams are complaining about not being involved. Etc.
Give your honest thoughts. Olympics, 4 nations, World Cup, Winter Classic, All Star game - do any of these move the needle? They definitely add to crammed scheduling to fit them in. It will be another week before the NHL is back up and running. Was this 2 week experiment something that “grew the game” or a chance to go back to the drawing board. As always, let me know your thoughts.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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