Munchausen
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nyr7andcounting said:There is nothing illegal about it but it's almost certain the NLRB isn't going to uphold an impasse if they do it. The NHL can offer whatever they want, but if it's too far backwards they better hope the PA folds and takes it... because impasse will be out the window. So like I've said, they can go backwards but if impasse is an option they could only go so far, like changing the $32-$42 linkage offer to $30-$40. That would be great and all but even if the NLRB upholds the impasse, the NHL is still going to lose a bunch of teams who are going to be stuck paying $30 million...and even worse be paying replacement players that much for any amount of time.
Plus it's a huge risk. Like you said they have a case with the NLRB for dropping the cap if it sits on hard facts. Problem is they don't have any hard facts on how much attendance will fall. It would be very hard for the NHL to win an impasse at this point especially when they are the ones who caused the lockout in the first place. Considering the consequences, even if the NHL thinks it has a 60% chance of winning impasse, I doubt they do it. If they lose you are looking at a lot of teams who owe a lot of money and most likely you are going to have a few teams fold right away.
I'm not disputing what you're saying, you're right, and beleive me, if the owners indeed try to ram a ridiculous offer down the players' throats just for spite or greed which cannot be justified by the actual economics, I'll be the first one to call them on it.
But the hard fact right now is there's no hard fact (ok sorry that was lame ). The uncertainty of future revenues makes bringing back linkage not only a valid move, but almost a necessity from a business standpoint.
They will also be able to show direct losses in sponsorship, season ticket sales and TV revenues to further their claim. If the owners go to impasse, trust me they'll make sure they cannot be found guilty of unfair labor practices. If they shrink the cap or bring back linkage, it will have to be justified. I'm sure they have legions of lawers working on that.