After triggering a hat trick worth of contentious lockouts, Commissioner Gary Bettman recognized he had little to gain by losing games or a season to another collective bargaining dispute.
I really enjoyed the big picture view of the lockouts. This passage was especially good, I just loved reading it.
"Heaven knows, the insular, hidebound league urgently needed dynamic leadership, fresh ideas, and new revenue sources.
Maybe because he was didn’t know team owners well enough to build a strong power base, maybe because he didn’t have enough time to drag owners into the 20th century even as the century was coming to an end..."
Hidebound!!! Absolutely great, what a pleasure to read.
Thank you. I learned the history I needed and appreciate your thoughts on Bettman. A lot of info well explained and entertaining! And perhaps before he retires, Bettman won’t be booed. ;)
I agree that this format of doing the draft was terrible. I was at the last draft in Los Angeles and it was amazing to see all the coaches, GMs and executives. The highlight of my weekend was running into Scotty Bowman. Sadly it was not a very well attended event and I was there in day 1.
What about NHLPA s Canada Cup/ World Cup/ 4 Nations in 2028 or 2029? In between the Olympics? And how will the 84 game season change the possibility of joining a national team fot the World Championship? Do you know? Sweden best players being able to play for the Swedish National team at Olympics is great but also at other World -events.I am as you know Swedish. And also why should Bettman be NHL commissioner for life?
If the season begins earlier, as is being speculated, then players should be able to join their national team for the world championships after an 84-game schedule. As for Bettman being commissioner for life, he will stay in office as long as his bosses (the team owners) say so, or if he decides to retire. I suspect he will stay as long as he likes. Under Bettman, franchise values have soared. So have revenues from media rights, etc. Owners have no reason to vote him out of office.
I really enjoyed the big picture view of the lockouts. This passage was especially good, I just loved reading it.
"Heaven knows, the insular, hidebound league urgently needed dynamic leadership, fresh ideas, and new revenue sources.
Maybe because he was didn’t know team owners well enough to build a strong power base, maybe because he didn’t have enough time to drag owners into the 20th century even as the century was coming to an end..."
Hidebound!!! Absolutely great, what a pleasure to read.
Thanks!
Thank you. I learned the history I needed and appreciate your thoughts on Bettman. A lot of info well explained and entertaining! And perhaps before he retires, Bettman won’t be booed. ;)
I agree that this format of doing the draft was terrible. I was at the last draft in Los Angeles and it was amazing to see all the coaches, GMs and executives. The highlight of my weekend was running into Scotty Bowman. Sadly it was not a very well attended event and I was there in day 1.
What about NHLPA s Canada Cup/ World Cup/ 4 Nations in 2028 or 2029? In between the Olympics? And how will the 84 game season change the possibility of joining a national team fot the World Championship? Do you know? Sweden best players being able to play for the Swedish National team at Olympics is great but also at other World -events.I am as you know Swedish. And also why should Bettman be NHL commissioner for life?
If the season begins earlier, as is being speculated, then players should be able to join their national team for the world championships after an 84-game schedule. As for Bettman being commissioner for life, he will stay in office as long as his bosses (the team owners) say so, or if he decides to retire. I suspect he will stay as long as he likes. Under Bettman, franchise values have soared. So have revenues from media rights, etc. Owners have no reason to vote him out of office.
Thank you for your quick response!
Anytime, for you!