Can disparity in team salaries reach a point where you no longer consider the NHL a sports league?

[Golden_Jet]

There was in the 90’s, now we have a cap, so won’t happen. They aren’t getting rid of the cap.

 

[Deadly Dogma]

I don’t know. This team is 100 million over the cap and isn’t winning the cup

View attachment 470730

highest I could get with a 23 man roster is 235,595,107
Error - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps

 

[dukeofjive]

In league history this is not the first and wont be the last time where gms have handcuff the league in forcing a work stoppage because of salaries.

The kids are getting payed before they proved anything, the salary wont go up much n the next few years, players are owing tons of money to owners.

One more reason the nhl is a fringe sport.

 

[tarheelhockey]

I do think there's a hypothetical point where it becomes WWE-like.

That being said, you really only need 2 or 3 powerhouse teams to make it a "competition" of sorts. The 1980s USSR, or the NHL during certain stretches of the O6 era could fit that description. It would be an extremely top-heavy league and arguably not very entertaining most nights, but still intriguing from the standpoint of seeing the very best players stacked against each other.

 

[drktmplr12]

what?

no

 

[Mikeshane]

I wonder if other types of advantages would bother people more.

What if the Rangers started the season with 10 wins.
What if Toronto were allowed to play with 6 skaters and a goalie.
What if Boston could veto 2 penalties every game.

I actually would prefer these types of advantages because at least they are hockey related and interesting.

 

[Karl Eriksson]

Pre-cap era the NHL was a sport