With all the excitement around Karlsson’s Norris win, the Rick Nash rumours and landing 67’s star Cody Ceci at the Draft, Sens fans have been able to numb out the impending doom that lingers on the league’s horizon.
The NHL and the NHLPA require a new CBA and the initial speculation from experts suggests that it will be anything but a straightforward process. The two sides are expected to begin formal negotiations in New York City on Friday.
The current CBA is expires on September 15th
I always try to distance myself from this side of professional sports because to a neutral observer, it can be extremely frustrating. On the one side you have the "greedy owners" and on the other the "spoiled millionaire athletes". And the reality is a potential work stoppage hurts one group more than any other- the fans.
Now obviously it’s not that cut and dry and there really are important issues that need to be worked out but I think that’s how most hockey fans feel when they hear about the upcoming CBA talks. The NHL and NHLPA have put on a brave face when asked about the upcoming negotiations but considering the last work stoppage, analysts and fans have every reason to be skeptical.
Here’s hoping that both sides recognize that the game is obviously in an excellent spot right now.
Revenues are up, there is significant momentum in some large American markets and aside from the legitimate safety concerns some have, the on-ice product is as good as it’s ever been. I won’t be talking about this topic often because like I said, for fans, it’s not something we can do a whole lot about.
All we can do is countdown to the start of September training camps and opening night like we always do, and hope that the two sides can find some common ground in negotiations.
- The NHL announced the Hall of Fame class for 2012 and it includes Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin, Adam Oates and at long last, Pavel Bure. Three of the four guys entering the Hall this year have never won a Cup and when you look at some of the numbers and accomplishments, it certainly bodes well for Daniel Alfredsson's chances once he decided to hang ‘em up (many, many seasons from now).
- A couple weeks ago, I indicated that the Senators had sent an offer to UFA to be Matt Carkner. Still no word on that front and some have hinted that Carkner may have declined the offer. Considering Shane O’Brien just signed a three year deal at $2 mil a season, you have to think Carkner will be hoping for something similar. Think it’s important the Senators maintain that trademark toughness that became a big part of this team’s identity last season.
- Haven't mentioned Rick Nash in almost 24 hours so a quick update on that front. Sens are still in the mix (I can hear some of you rolling your eyes from here) but it looks like the Jackets are set on waiting till July 1st in hopes the market increases.
- Just finished watching the recap of Day 1 of the Ottawa Senators Development Camp and was amazed at just how big Cody Ceci is. Nearly 6’3 and pushing 215 pounds, Ceci is considered to be one of the most-NHL ready defenceman in 2012 Draft class. He’ll need to turn heads at camp but I certainly wouldn’t rule out Ceci getting a nine game audition and potentially more next season.
- For you Twitter folk, I’ve gone ahead and created a list of all current Senators players and prospects that use Twitter. I’ve been informed that the list is inaccessible from mobile devices but works fine other than that. You can access that list, here.
