God the arrogance of us north americans is disgusting.
You guys really underestimate the power of the RSL in this new league order. There is a salary cap now. There are several teams in Russia who can pay more money than the NHL cap. The average payrolls are not that far off. There is no cap in Russia. Soon enough-- if not now, as seen by Jagr-- top end players will be moving to play there. The NHL has never been faced with league competition from overseas. It has been unheard of. But, a country with an upswinging economy, very rich, proud, men with money to burn can now challenge the NHL that has become weaker and weaker every year. This isnt the PA. The NHLPA had only one inevitable outcome, and it came to that. Fighting with the Russians is not the same. I'm sure Bettman and Co. realize this, unlike you people. And thats why he flew there, him and his staff. They realize what this can do.
Then there is the Olympics leverage. If they dont get an agreement now, I fear not only will the Turin olympics lose its premier competition, but Vancouver too. And i'm sure half of you could care less about Italy, but if the NHL'ers dont come to Vancouver in 2010, there will be hell to pay in Canada.
Oh, of course, I will be shot down by "let the greedy russians stay in their league, we dont want them". Typical. It will start with the premier Russian players, but soon enough more and more of the other Europeans will follow soon. There is money to be had in Russia. Bettman should realize this too. These are the guys who sell the game. Hockey is supposed to be a skill game. Yet we're raised in this Canadian culture to appreciate grit above all. What the **** is grit? Generally its a term describing a lack of skill. "Oh look at that good Canadian kid, he tries so hard, and embodies everything that we stand for in Canada", referring to that enforcer who has a career tally of goals that Alexander Ovechkin may be able to score in one game.
Would you rather pay money to watch Darcy Hordichuk or Ilya Kovalchuk play?
P.S. Senator: Rooney was sold for 30 million pounds to Manchester United, not Liverpool.
Oh, and you cant compare the soccer transfer systems. The financial health is considerably different between the two sports. Hockey's entire revenue can be matched by the top 4 English teams.