Vishinator05 said:I disagree with this argument. You're assuming that Calgary can just pull money out of a hand to pay Iginla and it doesn't effect the rest of the team. I have news for you.. if they pay Iginla more, it means they have to pay someone else less. That means the overall quality of the team suffers which means that Calgary doesn't make as much revenue from outside sources (ticket sales, playoff money).
I agree with you. Its already happening. Calgary's team salary is eaten up by Iggy and Kipper. (I believe it will be about 30% when Iggy signs)
We are already handcuffed by having Iggy sign at 7-8 million. We cannot afford it. If the NHL were to continue the current CBA, the Flames would have traded Iggy already. The Flames held onto Iggy (and their own team) because they see brighter days with a new CBA.
A cap won't help the Flames? I think you mistaken a cap with a lower UFA age. I think it will decrease to 29 but I don't see it going any lower. If the NHL can learn one thing from the NFL it is to not make UFA too low.
So how does a cap help the Flames? First, it makes all the teams play at an even level. Any team that decides to sign Iggy for more than he is offered by the Flames (in a post CBA market) will be faced with the same pressures as the Flames would be by signing him at a high salary. Essentially, the cap will prevent teams from spending outrageous amounts on players that don't deserve it. A trickle-down effect will occur and players of similar stature cant 'force' their team to pay them the same outrageous amount. This will help teams like the Flames to have more salary space to either keep iggy or sign other star players.
Clubs with high salaries will be forced to dump their overpriced players. They can't afford (under a cap) to offer Iggy anymore. It will become a situation where the player more or less decides which location is better for him. (This can help out teams like Calgary and Edmonton with a loyal fan support and great hockey atmosphere)
A cap will increase parody in the league. It gives every team an equal chance of success. Yes, you probably won't see dynasties anymore and player turnover rates might be slightly higher but talk to baseball right now. Who likes having the Red Sox and the Yankees in their division?? I mean, there is no chance for smaller teams to compete. You think fans in Baltimore/Toronto/Tampa etc are ecstatic to just have a competitive regular season knowing that they will probably never challenge for the World Series? How many Florida Marlins can u have? Ultimately, big team spenders will win. Thats why you need a cap. To make it fair for everyone.