Many things could be done and changes can be made to benefit both sides and fans...]

Need to make the process such so meaningful change has time to happen.

Too much of the last agreement looks as if thrown together over a long weekend and in a panic....Which was probably the case.
- Al

Remember though that Bob Goodenough had a plan to hold out for up to 2 years to get what the players wanted and Bettman had the support of an inner core of owners who were hardliners and wanted to lop off Goodenough's head. It was a recipe for disaster right from the outset.

And to top it off, Lou Lamorello then had a major responsibility in writing the CBA. Thats why I found it hilarious when the Devils got fined and lost a #1 pick for circumventing the CBA with the Kovalchuk contract.

Somehow they will get a deal done this time without a stoppage - way too much money floating around now. Biggest argument will be over the revenue split.

Hi Al!

Is it true that as of right now the cap ceiling is 70.3mil? I read that if the owners get the players to take a cut from 57% down to 50% that the cap ceiling could drop to 63mil..the thing I don't get is,if the ceiling is now 70.3 and say it drops to 63,how would a team that spent to 70.3 be expected to get under 63? Would they havr to trade players or stash them in the AHL?
- captainserious

I believe if the cap regresses salaries are cut in relation to that percentage

Hi Al!

Is it true that as of right now the cap ceiling is 70.3mil? I read that if the owners get the players to take a cut from 57% down to 50% that the cap ceiling could drop to 63mil..the thing I don't get is,if the ceiling is now 70.3 and say it drops to 63,how would a team that spent to 70.3 be expected to get under 63? Would they havr to trade players or stash them in the AHL?
- captainserious

if that's a 10% rollback in the Cap, my guess is that the players would have to agree to a 10% rollback across the board. So if Toews cap hit is 6.3M now...it would be 5.67M moving forward.

And it also sounds like next year's team is the same as last year's minus OD and Bruno, while adding rookies.

Typical StanBow conservatism. He must not think sizing up or adding any new good FAs is required.

You watch - StanBow will not spend to the $70.3MM. He's going to stay at $64.3MM.

That = FAIL to me.
- Return of the Roar

Well, as it stands now..yeah, big time FAIL. But we've not seen all the moves. If there are no more and the roster is filled out with Hayes and we start hearing B.S. like 'He's made great strides', I'll puke. But until the roster is set, I'm planning to watch with a curious eye

if that's a 10% rollback in the Cap, my guess is that the players would have to agree to a 10% rollback across the board. So if Toews cap hit is 6.3M now...it would be 5.67M moving forward.
- eburgio

So his salary and cap hit would both be affected?! Whoa! That sucks big time formthe players...but in the end I don't care about the owners or players, the fans get hit the hardest with a labor stoppage and that will make all fans very

Hi Al!

Is it true that as of right now the cap ceiling is 70.3mil? I read that if the owners get the players to take a cut from 57% down to 50% that the cap ceiling could drop to 63mil..the thing I don't get is,if the ceiling is now 70.3 and say it drops to 63,how would a team that spent to 70.3 be expected to get under 63? Would they havr to trade players or stash them in the AHL?
- captainserious

First part is true and as for the second part ...In my view there would have to be a rollback adjustment of some sort.

Remember what I said about the downside being about where we were at to begin last season...$64.3 mill..

For now the cap could be higher or lower and there is no better answer currently.

Well, as it stands now..yeah, big time FAIL. But we've not seen all the moves. If there are no more and the roster is filled out with Hayes and we start hearing B.S. like 'He's made great strides', I'll puke. But until the roster is set, I'm plan to watch with a curious eye
- eburgio

No reason to spend all cap space in the offseason anyway. Save some for the deadline in case of injury. Even more so with Hossa and Monty out indefinitely. Who knows if/when they come back. For example, Stan could think they'll come back in December but then they don't and you have a gaping hole in your lineup being filled by most likely a rookie, until that void is filled adequately via trade at the deadline.

Remember though that Bob Goodenough had a plan to hold out for up to 2 years to get what the players wanted and Bettman had the support of an inner core of owners who were hardliners and wanted to lop off Goodenough's head. It was a recipe for disaster right from the outset.

And to top it off, Lou Lamorello then had a major responsibility in writing the CBA. Thats why I found it hilarious when the Devils got fined and lost a #1 pick for circumventing the CBA with the Kovalchuk contract.

Somehow they will get a deal done this time without a stoppage - way too much money floating around now. Biggest argument will be over the revenue split.
- RickJ

They all wasted a season and it still went to the 11th hour...

Fortunately it worked out but another lost season wouldn't turn out so well.

The players deserve to be treated well no doubt, but in the end they must understand they could be the biggest loser if there is a stoppage.

Well, as it stands now..yeah, big time FAIL. But we've not seen all the moves. If there are no more and the roster is filled out with Hayes and we start hearing B.S. like 'He's made great strides', I'll puke. But until the roster is set, I'm plan to watch with a curious eye
- eburgio

That is what I am hoping too...Stan is in a good position imo,he still has cap room,and with a trade he can have even more cap room to go after a few very good players like Chris Kelly,and a physical d man,plus a big body or two

if that's a 10% rollback in the Cap, my guess is that the players would have to agree to a 10% rollback across the board. So if Toews cap hit is 6.3M now...it would be 5.67M moving forward.
- eburgio

As I wrote in a previous blog, how will all of that work:

(a) Roll back salaries so that ALL teams are below the cap?

(b) Roll back salaries so that the AVERAGE team is below the cap - leaving some teams above the cap - and then, what happens to them?

(c) Roll back salaries only of teams ABOVE the cap? So, for instance, Toews if the Hawks are above the cap) takes a hit, but Nash (if CBJ is below the cap) doesn't).

I think it's much more complicated than just saying "roll back salaries" - and I still think the high-spending teams could wind up being hurt.

First part is true and as for the second part ...In my view there would have to be a rollback adjustment of some sort.

Remember what I said about the downside being about where we were at to begin last season...$64.3 mill..

For now the cap could be higher or lower and there is no better answer currently.
- Al

In your opinion,should Stan then spend to the cap? I believe the Hawks now have close to 8mil in cap space,shouldn't that be able to fetch a good piece or two like a physical dman or some size for the top six? And they might have more if he can ditch Hammer or Frolik or if Monty goes on LTIR?

As I wrote in a previous blog, how will all of that work:

(a) Roll back salaries so that ALL teams are below the cap?

(b) Roll back salaries so that the AVERAGE team is below the cap - leaving some teams above the cap - and then, what happens to them?

(c) Roll back salaries only of teams ABOVE the cap? So, for instance, Toews if the Hawks are above the cap) takes a hit, but Nash (if CBJ is below the cap) doesn't).

I think it's much more complicated than just saying "roll back salaries" - and I still think the high-spending teams could wind up being hurt.
- StLBravesFan

I think it's much more complicated than just saying "roll back salaries" - and I still think the high-spending teams could wind up being hurt.

I agree about being more complicated but if it goes down the road of hurting the biggest spenders the most...Plan on spending the fall not watching the NHL.

The big money franchises are the lifeblood of the NHL, in the end they get hurt the least or there won't be hockey.

In your opinion,should Stan then spend to the cap? I believe the Hawks now have close to 8mil in cap space,shouldn't that be able to fetch a good piece or two like a physical dman or some size for the top six? And they might have more if he can ditch Hammer or Frolik or if Monty goes on LTIR?
- captainserious

If the Hawks take a cautious approach and others in the Division and Conference do not they are screwed...

I would not take that chance unless Rocky is OK without clearing up his loans for even longer.

Can't rely on spare parts and young prospects to lead to a long playoff run.

Especially with Gaborik out for up to six months ...

Don't be surprised if NY is a major player for Nash.

If the Hawks take a cautious approach and others in the Division and Conference do not they are screwed...

I would not take that chance unless Rocky is OK without clearing up his loans for even longer.

Can't rely on spare parts and young prospects to lead to a long playoff run.
- Al

apparently you can rely on them when your team philopshy is 'just get in and anything can happen'

If the Hawks take a cautious approach and others in the Division and Conference do not they are screwed...

I would not take that chance unless Rocky is OK without clearing up his loans for even longer.

Can't rely on spare parts and young prospects to lead to a long playoff run.
- Al

Totally agree with you...NHL draft just three weeks away,do you think any big trades will happen that weekend?

apparently you can rely on them when your team philopshy is 'just get in and anything can happen'
- eburgio

I think it's much more complicated than just saying "roll back salaries" - and I still think the high-spending teams could wind up being hurt.


Dangerous philosophy!

Totally agree with you...NHL draft just three weeks away,do you think any big trades will happen that weekend?
- captainserious

Probably not yet...

Totally agree with you...NHL draft just three weeks away,do you think any big trades will happen that weekend?
- captainserious

Not involving the Hawks.

Not involving the Hawks.
- Return of the Roar

Totally agree with you...NHL draft just three weeks away,do you think any big trades will happen that weekend?
- captainserious

Anything can happen. Anyone see them trading Brouwer during the draft last year?

Anything can happen. Anyone see them trading Brouwer during the draft last year?
- Assman22

Kinda. Considering he was going to be too rich for their blood, you knew he was either not going to be given a QO or would be traded

Article on ESPN: Jesse Rogers Q and A.

http://espn.go.com/blog/c...hould-the-hawks-deal-kane
- nickmo2699

Well, those are his opinions. I think Jesse's a good guy but I disagree with him on a lot there.

Anything can happen. Anyone see them trading Brouwer during the draft last year?
- Assman22

Giving credit where it's due, Sam Fels (I think) predicted it

Anything can happen. Anyone see them trading Brouwer during the draft last year?
- Assman22

Yes. He was in Qs dog house and even though physical not deemed physical enough. I know the Hawks are the softest team ever but not too suprised last year when Brouwer was moved