Jeremy Laura: Svechnikov clears waivers, my breakdown of league financials.

What kind of TV revenues will be made on this years outdoor series? Will the outdoor series make up for the short season revenue? Setting up these outdoor events come with a big cost and there will be no fans. Will sponsors step up?

What kind of TV revenues will be made on this years outdoor series? Will the outdoor series make up for the short season revenue? Setting up these outdoor events come with a big cost and there will be no fans. Will sponsors step up?
- Tee56

Hey Tee! That is a fantastic question. If the venue allowed 50K to attend, that would be roughly 3X the amount of an average NHL venue. That would bring an influx of 5.1 million in sales and likely another $1 million in concessions/sales. There are two games slated, so a total of 12 million in tickets and concessions if they both sell out. The sponsorships, we’ll assume, would cover the overhead of setup, staff, security and maintenance. That’s no small amount, making a potential 12 million, for sure. Outdoor games have lost some of the “luster” unfortunately. Lake Tahoe is beautiful, for sure. I would hope that there will be positive revenue flow, but it will definitely depend on gate.

Hey Tee! That is a fantastic question. If the venue allowed 50K to attend, that would be roughly 3X the amount of an average NHL venue. That would bring an influx of 5.1 million in sales and likely another $1 million in concessions/sales. There are two games slated, so a total of 12 million in tickets and concessions if they both sell out. The sponsorships, we’ll assume, would cover the overhead of setup, staff, security and maintenance. That’s no small amount, making a potential 12 million, for sure. Outdoor games have lost some of the “luster” unfortunately. Lake Tahoe is beautiful, for sure. I would hope that there will be positive revenue flow, but it will definitely depend on gate.
- Jeremy Laura

Thanks, Go Wings.
Mantha gets two in the opener.

There's no question that the NHL lost a ton of money last year, and will lose a ton of money playing this year.

At the same time, you just have to laugh when Gary Bettman releases a statement basically claiming that the owners are making a big altruistic sacrifice just because playing is "important to our players and fans."

I'm grateful to Jeremy for taking the time to think about the specific details, because I think details are important. (Anyway who has read a few of my long-winded posts probably knows that.)

Bigger picture, though, here's my read:

From the players' perspective, they need to play and they need to get paid -- fans or no fans. Careers are short. An unfortunate injury or unexpected decline in performance can take it all away. Any contract could be your last.

From the owners' perspective, they can afford to look at things five, ten, fifteen years at a time. Yes, they're going to take a bath this year, and that's not fun. But they're probably less concerned about how much they're going to lose in the next six or seven months and more concerned about how playing or not playing is going to affect future fan interest, future TV and ad revenue, and how much their franchise is going to be worth when they're eventually ready to sell it.

Again, no question they're going to lose money on this season. On the other hand, the fact that they've still decided to play the season anyway suggests to me that they expect that in the long run taking the loss this year will be worth it

Svechnikov and Cholowski are just another two examples of how badly Kenny has hurt the franchise. bad drafting and bad signings.

Looks like this is our opening night roster. Hoping Bobby Ryan can play Thursday. Helm was deemed "non roster." What does that mean?

Looks like this is our opening night roster. Hoping Bobby Ryan can play Thursday. Helm was deemed "non roster." What does that mean?


- gergeswillems

injured i think? last year hes on this team anyway..

Brome on the club, Helm non-player designation (what does that mean??), Svech to GR, Cholo on the Taxi squad....2 goalies on the TS (Pickard & Boyle), along w/Ras, Lindstrom, & Smith. Pretty decent TS...looking forward to seeing Smith get more time, along w/Ras, think both will prove their mettle this year - high energy big-bodies. Main roster looked as expected w/the exception of Brome but he played his *** off in the scrimmages I watched.

This year is going to be very painful on the financials, J. It’s going to take time to recover. If the teams have to pay the networks for any games under 82, the loss will be even greater. I just wish the players would’ve agreed to a reduction in pay to help off-set the financial impact overall. 2 sides to the story, but....

Let the games begin!!!!!

Brome on the club, Helm non-player designation (what does that mean??), Svech to GR, Cholo on the Taxi squad....2 goalies on the TS (Pickard & Boyle), along w/Ras, Lindstrom, & Smith. Pretty decent TS...looking forward to seeing Smith get more time, along w/Ras, think both will prove their mettle this year - high energy big-bodies. Main roster looked as expected w/the exception of Brome but he played his *** off in the scrimmages I watched.

This year is going to be very painful on the financials, J. It’s going to take time to recover. If the teams have to pay the networks for any games under 82, the loss will be even greater. I just wish the players would’ve agreed to a reduction in pay to help off-set the financial impact overall. 2 sides to the story, but....

Let the games begin!!!!!
- mcmastermike1968

Brome might be better than I expected. Let's see what he can do vs non Red Wings players. 😉

Brome on the club, Helm non-player designation (what does that mean??), Svech to GR, Cholo on the Taxi squad....2 goalies on the TS (Pickard & Boyle), along w/Ras, Lindstrom, & Smith. Pretty decent TS...looking forward to seeing Smith get more time, along w/Ras, think both will prove their mettle this year - high energy big-bodies. Main roster looked as expected w/the exception of Brome but he played his *** off in the scrimmages I watched.

This year is going to be very painful on the financials, J. It’s going to take time to recover. If the teams have to pay the networks for any games under 82, the loss will be even greater. I just wish the players would’ve agreed to a reduction in pay to help off-set the financial impact overall. 2 sides to the story, but....

Let the games begin!!!!!
- mcmastermike1968

hoping one of Lindstrom/Cholowski can takeover for Staal sooner.
Hear hes a pylon per Rangers fan, hopefully not as bad as Ericsson.
Team is going to look different after the deadline just like last season.

Looks like this is our opening night roster. Hoping Bobby Ryan can play Thursday. Helm was deemed "non roster." What does that mean?


- gergeswillems

Non roster, I think, means LTIR

Brome might be better than I expected. Let's see what he can do vs non Red Wings players. 😉
- gergeswillems

Brome shocked the heck out of me. Detroit proved long ago that “Euros” aren’t “soft”. But the physical play overseas still isn’t the same level. Brome has some pit bull in him. He’s also really creative. I can see why Vancouver wanted him, but Detroit will give him more minutes for sure.

And Zadina, he knocked McLlrath down in the last scrimmage. The two came together and Zadina won that collision. That kid has put on muscle and seems ready to take a job. Very exciting stuff

There's no question that the NHL lost a ton of money last year, and will lose a ton of money playing this year.

At the same time, you just have to laugh when Gary Bettman releases a statement basically claiming that the owners are making a big altruistic sacrifice just because playing is "important to our players and fans."

I'm grateful to Jeremy for taking the time to think about the specific details, because I think details are important. (Anyway who has read a few of my long-winded posts probably knows that.)

Bigger picture, though, here's my read:

From the players' perspective, they need to play and they need to get paid -- fans or no fans. Careers are short. An unfortunate injury or unexpected decline in performance can take it all away. Any contract could be your last.

From the owners' perspective, they can afford to look at things five, ten, fifteen years at a time. Yes, they're going to take a bath this year, and that's not fun. But they're probably less concerned about how much they're going to lose in the next six or seven months and more concerned about how playing or not playing is going to affect future fan interest, future TV and ad revenue, and how much their franchise is going to be worth when they're eventually ready to sell it.

Again, no question they're going to lose money on this season. On the other hand, the fact that they've still decided to play the season anyway suggests to me that they expect that in the long run taking the loss this year will be worth it
- Sven22

I’m going to agree and disagree. The top 5 clubs can hold tight on revenues for a couple of years. But, at this point, you’d have to sell Toronto and Montreal both to pay the current deficit. Put that in perspective of teams worth less than a third of that. There were multiple teams threatening to “opt out” but forced to open up. Basically, the NHL can take over a franchise if they violate terms. I believe that the bottom 10 teams are all going to come close to trying to sell off or declare bankruptcy. Currently, multiple teams couldn’t pay off their debt ration even if they received full market value from a buyer. In the end, I will be surprised if 3 to 5 teams aren’t here over the next couple seasons. If the deficit grows to where I’m thinking, you could sell New York, Toronto and Montreal and barely cover it.

hoping one of Lindstrom/Cholowski can takeover for Staal sooner.
Hear hes a pylon per Rangers fan, hopefully not as bad as Ericsson.
Team is going to look different after the deadline just like last season.
- wingz4life

I like what Staal can bring on a third pairing. He’s still got a beautiful wrist shot from the point and can get the puck out of his zone. NYR is loaded with some impressive talent, and the pace they’re trying to go at will make veteran D look slow. On our squad, at this point, he’s bringing stability to the bottom pair that we didn’t have last year. Just my thoughts.

I like what Staal can bring on a third pairing. He’s still got a beautiful wrist shot from the point and can get the puck out of his zone. NYR is loaded with some impressive talent, and the pace they’re trying to go at will make veteran D look slow. On our squad, at this point, he’s bringing stability to the bottom pair that we didn’t have last year. Just my thoughts.
- Jeremy Laura

As a long time fan who has witnessed his entire career with the Rangers, I can tell you that he is only good playing sheltered minutes at this point in time. He can play physical and he has a long reach that is useful on the PK. However, he has ZERO recovery speed and cannot easily change directions --- once his man beats him, its all over.
I wish him well, but if he gets top 4 minutes in Detroit, fans will be disappointed.

As a long time fan who has witnessed his entire career with the Rangers, I can tell you that he is only good playing sheltered minutes at this point in time. He can play physical and he has a long reach that is useful on the PK. However, he has ZERO recovery speed and cannot easily change directions --- once his man beats him, its all over.
I wish him well, but if he gets top 4 minutes in Detroit, fans will be disappointed.
- TommyGTrain

I would be concerned with top minutes. Bottom pairing and PK I think he brings an upgrade. Thanks for dropping in! Love hearing from other fans. NYR has some really exciting talent; especially up front. Fun to watch for sure

Brome might be better than I expected. Let's see what he can do vs non Red Wings players. 😉
- gergeswillems

I dunno, G. Ole boy brought some physicality from what I saw in the R/W scrummages (intentional pun for rugby and how physical Brome was compared to expectations...). This kid could really turn it up. Will be interesting to watch how he develops, but I’m really happy with what he brought to camp....

hoping one of Lindstrom/Cholowski can takeover for Staal sooner.
Hear hes a pylon per Rangers fan, hopefully not as bad as Ericsson.
Team is going to look different after the deadline just like last season.
- wingz4life

Am not sold on Cholo...damaged goods for some reason (probably comments/coaching atmosphere??). He’ll get ice time, hopefully he makes the best of it, but he’s had several years to mature, and not much has come of it. I think he’ll be played in scenarios where he shows well thus jacking up TDL value....think he’s gone after this year. He, live Svech, need a change. Both are good dudes, PLEASE know that, but they need fresh starts. They’ll do well under a difference coaching staff. I truly hope they do. Stall’s here to help bring Lindstrom & Cholo along, I think. A good mentor, miles under his belt, smart, can still play, great asset.... If all goes well, we get a cheap mentor, maybe a 4th round pick for him at the TDL. If not, no skin off our noses, he can keep teaching & exampling. Not a bad get, IMHO.

Brome shocked the heck out of me. Detroit proved long ago that “Euros” aren’t “soft”. But the physical play overseas still isn’t the same level. Brome has some pit bull in him. He’s also really creative. I can see why Vancouver wanted him, but Detroit will give him more minutes for sure.

And Zadina, he knocked McLlrath down in the last scrimmage. The two came together and Zadina won that collision. That kid has put on muscle and seems ready to take a job. Very exciting stuff
- Jeremy Laura

Dude, there were some shoulders with full BAGS of chips on them....Better Made bags abound. I liked the rough n tumble some of these kids brought. Now, when Seider & Soderblom come around; Katie bar the door!!

I watched the NHL special on the JLA; great memories; The Bruise Brothers, The Grind Line, The Production Line.....what was in common? Physical play. Aside from Whitkowski, we haven’t had a hitter since Cecil Fielder 🧐🧐. The thing that the better teams have is a touch of the physical... Smith brings it, Seider, Soderblom, Zadina, Brome...not monsters or sluggers, but guys you know will take a hit and keep going, not gonna quiver & shy away from the rougher side. Now, I don’t want to see some of these guys throwing hands, but I do want to see some bells rung on a good clean hard check. Bring some ass to the ice & take a stand. Think it’s crucial to establish a physical presence so other teams don’t smash us around. Get bloody a bit, make ‘em pay for under-estimating the Wings....

I would be concerned with top minutes. Bottom pairing and PK I think he brings an upgrade. Thanks for dropping in! Love hearing from other fans. NYR has some really exciting talent; especially up front. Fun to watch for sure
- Jeremy Laura

I don’t think the intent is for Staal to be much more than a mentor to some of the younger kids. He can’t play Top4, like TommyG said, and I totally agree (REALLY cool seeing others drop in on your blog, J!!!!). He’s got some serviceability to him, but again, think mainly to help these young kids grow, set a better D mentality, see through a set of more established veteran eyes....

I don’t think the intent is for Staal to be much more than a mentor to some of the younger kids. He can’t play Top4, like TommyG said, and I totally agree (REALLY cool seeing others drop in on your blog, J!!!!). He’s got some serviceability to him, but again, think mainly to help these young kids grow, set a better D mentality, see through a set of more established veteran eyes....
- mcmastermike1968

Very well stated. Totally agree

Just a comment on the toughness, and willingness to muck it up. Makes me think of why I always told/tell people I'd take Yzerman anyday over Gretzky. Yzerman was always willing to do whatever it took to get the results needed, he put his body on the line every second of every shift. Thats what we have been missing for quite some time and to now hear we are getting some players with those qualities is great. Now is it a coincidence that the man in charge just happens to be in my opinion one of the greatest ever and looks for the same things in players that made him the player he was? I'm really excited for what the future holds, I've got nothing but patience as I have been lucky enough to witness 4 cup wins so if it means I have to endure these bad years and more in order to get another 4 I'll take it. Anything is better than waiting since 1967 lol!! Keep up the great work Jeremy!!!

Just a comment on the toughness, and willingness to muck it up. Makes me think of why I always told/tell people I'd take Yzerman anyday over Gretzky. Yzerman was always willing to do whatever it took to get the results needed, he put his body on the line every second of every shift. Thats what we have been missing for quite some time and to now hear we are getting some players with those qualities is great. Now is it a coincidence that the man in charge just happens to be in my opinion one of the greatest ever and looks for the same things in players that made him the player he was? I'm really excited for what the future holds, I've got nothing but patience as I have been lucky enough to witness 4 cup wins so if it means I have to endure these bad years and more in order to get another 4 I'll take it. Anything is better than waiting since 1967 lol!! Keep up the great work Jeremy!!!
- mplackitt

Thanks for that! I made a point to a good friend a while back. Gretzky and Messier. Wayne could do so much for scoring, Messier made an entire team better somehow. I would never overlook the great one, at the same time as I have to acknowledge that there is a type of player that will carry the team and push them to be better. It takes a team to win it all.

Just a comment on the toughness, and willingness to muck it up. Makes me think of why I always told/tell people I'd take Yzerman anyday over Gretzky. Yzerman was always willing to do whatever it took to get the results needed, he put his body on the line every second of every shift. Thats what we have been missing for quite some time and to now hear we are getting some players with those qualities is great. Now is it a coincidence that the man in charge just happens to be in my opinion one of the greatest ever and looks for the same things in players that made him the player he was? I'm really excited for what the future holds, I've got nothing but patience as I have been lucky enough to witness 4 cup wins so if it means I have to endure these bad years and more in order to get another 4 I'll take it. Anything is better than waiting since 1967 lol!! Keep up the great work Jeremy!!!
- mplackitt

As much as I loved Yzerman, I'd take Gretzky over him or any player. #99 is the GOAT in my opinion.