OldCraig71
Registered User
What I never understood is this... Of course, hockey is business first and foremost and I think 99.9% of people get it and agree with it. So naturally the primary focus for the owner is to make $$$. But... but... wouldn't building a winning team AS WELL AS make money make even more money? Imagine the ticket prices, the condos, the memorabilia crap, the jerseys, the caps, the key chains whatever other consumable garbage you can think of. Niemi's jersey would be selling for over $350 if Habs were a true contender. So why are Habs NOT focusing on winning along with raking in the cash?
The expectation level would also rise from the fan base and the criticism and the accountability level would be greater for those employed by the team. They have lowered expectations to the point where a portion of their fans dare I say the majority are willing to accept missing the playoffs for 3 out of 4 years and the money still keeps rolling in! There is no challenge and the team is making well over 100 million dollars in annual profit and yes they could make more with a winning team but like I said the expectations and pressure would also rise along with it. This is what the Montreal Canadiens have become and it has happened right in front of our eyes. This is my theory and many here will shoot it down because the last 7 years have only been bad puck luck, free agents wives don't like us and "Bergy" is trying his best.