Tyler Cameron: NHL Updates + Play Like Hossa NHL updates include, as well as how Blackhawks players can learn to play like Hossa.

First

Hard to tell how teams will be affected by virtually no salary cap increases without knowing if one buyout per team will be added.

Thanks Tyler and Theo!
Happy Canada Day too!!

Getting a new CBA to me, shows why the NHL is the top rung of major leagues, the players seem to really want to play. Love of the game, at the highest level, by those at the highest level is a great lesson for the younger generations.

As hard as it was for me to move away from Tony O as my all-time favorite 'Hawk, Hossa made it a no-brainer. But they both exude class on and off the ice. It all came down to backchecking like a possessed man and Hossa did just that.

Happy Canada Day my fellow Canucks!

If the cap stays flat for 2+ years I think there will have to be some mechanism for teams to create cap space. Compliance buy-outs are frequently discussed but I doubt the league will go down that road again. Selecting one player to not count against the cap (with conditions), possibly.

I think the easiest route would be to allow teams to demote players to the AHL without counting towards the cap. Again, there could be limitations such as maximum cap relief, limiting the number of players that can be demoted, and if a player is recalled they cannot be sent back down under the same exemptions. It could be a win-win, the player gets paid and at least the NHL club gets some value for their money.

To start this off, no, I don’t think the Hawks should demote Seabrook. Smith might be the only guy the Hawks would consider.

Happy Canada Day my fellow Canucks!

If the cap stays flat for 2+ years I think there will have to be some mechanism for teams to create cap space. Compliance buy-outs are frequently discussed but I doubt the league will go down that road again. Selecting one player to not count against the cap (with conditions), possibly.

I think the easiest route would be to allow teams to demote players to the AHL without counting towards the cap. Again, there could be limitations such as maximum cap relief, limiting the number of players that can be demoted, and if a player is recalled they cannot be sent back down under the same exemptions. It could be a win-win, the player gets paid and at least the NHL club gets some value for their money.

To start this off, no, I don’t think the Hawks should demote Seabrook. Smith might be the only guy the Hawks would consider.
- DarthKane

I would think any mechanism to offset the flat cap has to be part of the CBA. Think something along that line would be rumored about. Mackenzie, Friedman et al haven't commented upon that topic.

Edmonton blogger saying that Edmonton and Toronto are now most likely to be named hub cities.

Edmonton blogger saying that Edmonton and Toronto are now most likely to be named hub cities.
- boilermaker100

Edmonton gets home ice advantage and Chicago gets one step closer to the #1 overall pick.

I would think any mechanism to offset the flat cap has to be part of the CBA. Think something along that line would be rumored about. Mackenzie, Friedman et al haven't commented upon that topic.
- boilermaker100

Possibly.

After next season the cap situation looks better with Saad and Smith coming off the books. Maatta could be bought out, but the cap hit wouldn’t be as favourable as if he were bought out this off season.

Possibly.

After next season the cap situation looks better with Saad and Smith coming off the books. Maatta could be bought out, but the cap hit wouldn’t be as favourable as if he were bought out this off season.
- DarthKane

I know that people are kind of down on Maatta, but he is still a good defenseman. There is no reason that they couldn't move him for a decent pick if need be.

Edmonton gets home ice advantage and Chicago gets one step closer to the #1 overall pick.
- DarthKane

Perfect

Edmonton gets home ice advantage and Chicago gets one step closer to the #1 overall pick.
- DarthKane

Unless they put the West inToronto.

I know that people are kind of down on Maatta, but he is still a good defenseman. There is no reason that they couldn't move him for a decent pick if need be.
- Chunk

Maatta = expansion draft fodder.

Possibly.

After next season the cap situation looks better with Saad and Smith coming off the books. Maatta could be bought out, but the cap hit wouldn’t be as favourable as if he were bought out this off season.
- DarthKane

What? Saad won't be extended?

Maata is expansion draft fodder.

Unless they put the West inToronto.
- boilermaker100

Doubtful. They won’t put the East teams in the West, it would kill the TV ratings.

I know that people are kind of down on Maatta, but he is still a good defenseman. There is no reason that they couldn't move him for a decent pick if need be.
- Chunk

I don’t have a problem with Määttä, he’s better than people give him credit for. But if the Hawks are in cap trouble he’s not a ‘must keep’ d-man and one of the easier to move/buy-out.

Maatta = expansion draft fodder.
- boilermaker100

Beat me to it.

I don’t think time zones matter at this point games will be played all day long. No fans in the building so it doesn’t matter what time the games start locally.

What? Saad won't be extended?
- boilermaker100

He won't be getting a Chirs Kreider type contract (who I think is a comparable to Saad)

He won't be getting a Chirs Kreider type contract (who I think is a comparable to Saad)
- LAHawk

Saad will be a good chip at next season's TDL (whenever that will be) if the Hawks are out of contention. Should get at least a 1st for him.

I don’t think time zones matter at this point games will be played all day long. No fans in the building so it doesn’t matter what time the games start locally.
- Psenerch

Agree. I see two rinks in operation, at least 3 games each per day. Something like 11am, 4 pm. 9 pm. Think Olympics or World Junior tourneys.

Beat me to it.
- LAHawk

Great minds think alike!

I know it won't be (these are basically competing interests), but I hope that the next CBA is negotiated with the health of the league in mind. I'd like to see some more flexibility in the type of contracts that can be signed, and maybe some kind of hybrid cap that would allow for teams to be better able to maybe keep homegrown talent.

I know it won't be (these are basically competing interests), but I hope that the next CBA is negotiated with the health of the league in mind. I'd like to see some more flexibility in the type of contracts that can be signed, and maybe some kind of hybrid cap that would allow for teams to be better able to maybe keep homegrown talent.
- Chunk

The owners like the hard cap - and the concept of a defined HRR split, currently 50/50.

Your desires would take the cost certainty out of the equation, and give the players a higher percentage than that which is negotiated.