Ok.
Since you seem to think I have no idea what I’m talking about when it comes to the behind the scenes business of hockey, let’s play a little game. I’ll pose 3 questions to you, and tell you my answer from all 3, and we will compare answers.
1) Have you ever played, in the show/ have any friends or even acquaintances who have?
2) Have you ever coached, scouted, or was in management in the NHL, or personally know anyone who is/was?
3) Have you ever worked with or are friends/acquaintances with an agent who represents players?
So…. My answer is yes to all 3. How many can you legitimately say yes to?
I’m simply trying to have a discussion about how the business of hockey works behind the scenes, and give you a little insight as to how each side is viewing this. Also, I’m trying to give you a glimpse as to how important EKs control of the situation actually is.
This league is a tough business for the every day player, but a guy like EK is going to push the buttons to get what HE wants. That is why the NMC and such are such a big thing to gain control for themselves. You have guys who are forced to sign entry level contracts…. Take Bedard for example. Look at what he is making. What if he takes a really bad hit and can’t play, he never gets his big deal…. That’s why when they reach the stage of being able to get control, they sieze it.
I will say that I don’t know EK personally, so he may have some indifference on where he goes, but from the few teams that have had said they have interest, Pittsburgh is apparently the destination of choice. I’m not friends with Dubas so I can’t confirm, but if true, I’m sure he knows as well.
So, once again, for those who are a little slow…. Every single fact I posted prior still stands no matter if it’s what you want to hear or not!
1. I’ve played in the MLB for 3 teams for 5 years and another 6 minor league teams for 4 years. MLB and NHL are surprisingly similar as they are the two professional leagues that rely highly upon minor professional leagues where the players can be grossly underpaid.
2. NHL wise my cousin Cody Franson played NHL for Nashville Toronto Buffalo with one short stint in Chicago and then was a castaway blackisted to KHL or European leagues.
3. I had my own agent who did next to F all for me besides raking 11.5% of my professional salary and 15% of my signing bonus.
This is why I am telling all of you.
Winning a Stanley cup is literally something these players are not even thinking about.
The fans thinks of it.
The owners think of it.
The players numerous uno is job security and job tenure combined with your salary.
When you’re first coming up you’re heavily expected to make life work based upon signing bonus money.
Minor pro sports aka “bus leagues” are really impossibly difficult to bare. This is why you see the AHL schedule being quite a mess.
I also feel this is why many many middle6 and specifically 4th line players they’d be joyed to take a 4year or even 6year deal at just $1.5 to $2.25m.
The next thing we all think about is the players association pension plan. For the majority of players they won’t earn a lot outside of pro sports life.
This is why I’m a big proponent of NCAA as you can get at least 2-3 years or your full education completed and not be screwd if pro sports fail which for 96% of NCAA D1 kids they simply won’t make it.
If as players we have the luxury to choose where we want to play we absolutely do.
I think you all think UFA players regardless of the sport have a dozen or more options to choose from a contract.
Reality is half the time your agent will approach teams telling the executive management you are interested in playing for them to see if they would have interest.
One such example was Johnny Gaudreau. Player approached the team not the other way around which is why the reduced salary. The player took less money to call where he wanted to play.
Unfortunately usually only top tier pros get to decide such things.
Last on the list.
You want to win and hoist a championship. Quite honestly this has more to do with just happening to be in the right team at the right time.
Winning is an absolute privilege and you must always place your team first.
There are not just dozens but hundreds of office personnel and trainers that work with you that you must treat with absolute respect.
Now again this is why I also politely have said Indont think Brad Treliving is as ever a good fit as an NHL executive.
He Blurred being a no talent hockey player in the ECHL with believing this made him understand hockey.
Fact is his daddy’s success let him take risks to get where he is.
I look at his moves with the flames and I have to question why so many people say he’s a good GM.
I case none are aware he’s also interested in acquiring EK for the Leafs.
He won’t take risk on picks or give up what’s. needed to get the player they want.
Any GM who accepts BPA is a tool.