Gurj said:
They only need 8 if Bettman does not recommend a deal - if he does recommend it, then simple majority (16) rules.
I was just counting and I think they probably have 15 votes which are pretty certain and they just need a couple of votes from the fringe teams: calgary, edmonton, anaheim, la, atlanta, nashville <-- one of these teams is going to have to vote for hockey for there to be a good chance to have a deal done
i'm pretty sure the following teams will accept but may be short by one or two votes(17 teams listed, if all vote yes season is saved because only 16 votes needed):
CBJ - Doug MacLean said that he only needs a cap to remain competitive, he doesn't have to spend towards it
OTT - Melnyk I don't think would risk the backlash and since Ottawa is close to Toronto/Montreal they are probably feeling the pressure from the media
NYI - Charles Wang said he'd accept $45
DAL - Tom Hicks said he'd accept it
PHO/PIT - brokering the deal, obvious
TOR/DET/PHI/COL/NYR - powerhouses will want to play
NJ - Lou Lamorello has control over the payroll, he doesn't need a low cap
MTL - too much love of the game here
SJ - up and coming team, they'll want to play
VAN - competitive team that could handle a $45 cap (its actually better because it might give them a chance to keep all their players while speculation was if they went for a $42.5 cap, they might need to get rid of a star or two a few years down the road), they'll want to play
STL - good hockey market, they'll want to play
MIN - centre of hockey in USA, they have their budget under control, and were profitable so they'll want to play
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- the only way EDM will vote for it is if Gretzky calls up kevin lowe and ownership and puts on the pressure.
- CGY has a lot of passion for the game, but i'm pretty sure they wanted a lower cap so that there would be no chance of inflation and Iginla would be guaranteed to stay.. so they will probably be on the fence
5 ownerships are considered to be the driving force behind negative talks:
BOS/CHI/FLA/TB/CAR