Crosby's people say that if NHL regulars aren't in the league, then he won't be either.
Thunderstruck said:What % of regulars needs to cross before he would decide to play?
Sure looks like this quote leaves him with a good deal of latitude in making his decision.
Interestingly enough, it also provides NHL teams with a perfect reason to NOT bid on his services should the courts declare him a free agent without worrying about collusion charges should they opt for replacement players.
Tom_Benjamin said:You really are a dreamer, aren't you? If there is a strike he's not going to cross a picket line. That is obvious. This story is about Sidney Crosby, free agent. What makes this a great story is that we beat the media on it on these boards. We were arguing about it before it hit the TV and the papers. I think that is really neat.
If the courts declare him a free agent, there had better be a frenzy over him or the NHL will get whacked with a collusion suit for sure. The courts are not going to make him a free agent and then say it is okay if nobody bids on him.
That they think he might honour a picket line is not nearly good enough to avoid a collusion suit.
Tom
Thunderstruck said:Are you suggesting that Crosby will never cross the line if even ONE NHLPA member refuses to cross?
IF the courts declare him a free agent (highly doubtful) then they are not going to force the teams to do anything more than express interest in Crosby. If he maintains his stance that he refuses to work under the working conditions they have established, they cannot be forced to give him a contract. If he changes his stance, I'm sure they would be more than willing to offer him a contract.
Tom_Benjamin said:No, I'm saying Crosby will be like the vast majority of players. If the NHLPA is on strike, he won't report.
Gee, maybe because he's refusing to work under the conditions they set.I'd bet the Leafs or Rangers sign him within 24 hours. Why wouldn't they?
If nobody makes a bona fide offer, the NHL will be defending a collusion suit that they can't win.
Tom
Thunderstruck said:Gee, maybe because he's refusing to work under the conditions they set.
The courts can't force them to give him a contract if he refuses to be an employee.
BlackRedGold said:How can he refuse to work unless he's signed a contract to work?
He's not refusing to be an employee. He's just refusing to cross a picket line.
Steve L said:Considering its rumoured 75% of players will go back to play next year, it would be a safe bet that Crosby would play too.
Thunderstruck said:What % of regulars needs to cross before he would decide to play?
Sure looks like this quote leaves him with a good deal of latitude in making his decision.
Interestingly enough, it also provides NHL teams with a perfect reason to NOT bid on his services should the courts declare him a free agent without worrying about collusion charges should they opt for replacement players.
shakes said:Actually, has anyone imagined the repercussions that this would have? Rich teams could load up on talent and stock their farm systems with the best of the 05 class.
I think this is an excellent reason to make sure there is a second half of the season. I'm still optimistic about that. I don't think the owners are ready to cave completely, but I can think of several excellent reasons to play the second half of the season under the old deal:
shakes said:This bodes well for Canadian teams, especially the rich ones and for signing homegrown talent.
nferr said:If the NHL opens next season with replacement players there will be a new IMPOSED CBA in place. There will be rules in place for drafting and signing players. It won't be a free for all. Of course the players will strike against the new imposed CBA.
kremlin said:Who cares about Crosby & the silly NHL entry draft at this point. Much better things are at stake.
Tom_Benjamin said:This is fine, but what happens between July 1st and the date the NLRB permits the new CBA (assuming they do)? Unless they impose a CBA before the end of June and have a draft, Sidney will try to become a free agent before impasse.
At that point, the judge will be making the decision in the absence of a CBA.
Tom
nferr said:He can sue all he wants. At this point in time the NHL is not open for business.
Tom_Benjamin said:So what? If the judge makes him a free agent, NHL teams will still have to explain why they don't sign him. There is nothing stopping a team from doing it. Well, except collusion.
And do you really think Toronto won't try? They'll sign him in a second.
Tom
djhn579 said:And while they are still negotiating a new CBA, there are no players being signed.
I can't see any judge not laughing this out of court if he tries to sue...
Tom_Benjamin said:Are you a lawyer? Do you know something that Crosby's agents don't know?
Tom