Home Forums Skybox Sports Bar Clearing the Zone Will there be a lockout ?

When Detroit Red Wings' forward Brett Hull says the lockout between NHL owners and players is "guaranteed," there are big time problems in hockeyland. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is the contract between NHL players and owners, regarding issues such as salary perimeters, player benefits, and revenue sharing, runs out on September 15, 2004, that is when the great labor battle will most likely begin.

At issue is the current state of hockey's economics, which, to put lightly, aren't great. Owners want to cut costs, which translates directly into player salaries, by implementing a salary cap. Players want the opposite, and the ability to earn as much as possible. Revenue sharing is another contentious issue. The owners want money from revenue possibilities such as more lucrative TV deals, hockey cards, and merchandise sales, to primarily go to them. The players, of course want most, if not all, of those revenues to go to them. Caught in the middle is much maligned NHL commissioner, Gary Betteman, who for all the great things he has done for hockey, could have his legacy tarnished, if a work stoppage is not averted.

"Hockey is truly a sad state of affairs right now," said Senior Odds Maker, Dan "The Man" Johnson. "Not only has violence dominated the sport recently, attendance is slipping dramatically, and hockey's market share among the four major North American sports is ever shrinking. The chance of a lockout this coming fall could truly be devastating for the NHL, with its shockwaves rocking the sport to its core."

If the lockout does indeed happen, and most reliable NHL sources feel it inevitable, including Commissioner Gary Betteman, the ramifications could destroy NHL hockey as we know it. Right off the top, anywhere from four to eight teams could fold if the stoppage is for any prolonged period of time. That said, most analysts feel that the lockout would be a lengthy one and if the two sides aren't able to come together before the September 15th deadline, there is a good chance the entire season could be scrapped.

So, as hockey fans around the world watch this season's Stanley Cup Playoffs, they ought to treasure every goal, every save, and every fight. It just might be the last time they see anything like it for a long time. And while the NHL owners and players get ready to dig into their respective trenches, trying to score a quadruple overtime goal and stave off a strike, hockey's minor leagues such as the AHL and IHL, couldn't be happier as they might become the only game in town, and they are just fine with that.

BetCBS is pleased to release odds on: "Whether or not there will be a work stoppage and how long it will last?

WILL THERE BE A LOCKOUT IN THE NHL DURING THE 2004-2005 SEASON?

Yes -$500
No +$350


(A wager, yes, means that there will be a work stoppage after the CBA runs out on September 15, 2004 for any period of time. Meaning that it doesn't just go for the regular season. Any amount of lost work at any part of the pre-season or season counts towards a yes wager of this paragraph means.)

Click here to go to BetCBS

IF THERE IS A LOCKOUT, HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

1day-1 month +$200
1-2 months even
2-4 months even
4-6months +$400
6-10 months +$600
10-16 months +$800
16 months-beyond +$1500

Will there be a lockout?
Does the Pope wear a silly hat?
Does a bear shit in the woods?

They all have the same answer!

Yeah, I agree, the pope does wear a silly hat....

I think at the end of the day there isn't gonna be a lockout, I think both sides will realize there just can't be in order for hockey to survive.

Yeah, I agree, the pope does wear a silly hat....

I think at the end of the day there isn't gonna be a lockout, I think both sides will realize there just can't be in order for hockey to survive.

Sorry Wizards, I disagree. I think both sides are so stubborn, they will do the wrong thing in spite of what it will do to the game (They cant see the potential damage through the $$ signs and their ego's). Both sides are creating contingency funds, so there will not be a reason to resolve it early, as they won't feel direct pain immediatley. Neither side says they will budge on the cap (or whatever politically correct name it is called), although evetually someone will have to if they want some type of nhl. As in any negotiations, when you are on the outside looking in, it is hard to know what the truth is, but in the end, both sides are at fault and everyone loses.

If it ultimately improves the game (for example, if it makes them rethink the CBA, or results in some teams dissolving), then it may be a blessing in disguise, and I'd be all for it. As a lifelong fan, my interest has waned over the years, and the NHL needs some kind of jolt to trigger change. I don't know or have the answers, I just know I don't like the NHL like I once did. I guess what that means for me is that if a lockout happens, I won't miss the NHL. The I can at least hope it'll come back stronger eventually.

Hey Bazai,

I agree that things need to be rethunk! I don't have the answers either but I will miss the NHL regardless if they do not play. I agree that losing some teams (about half a dozen)would not be a bad thing. However, I want to see the Canadian teams survive but I think a couple would be in danger of folding(Cal and Edm) and Vancouver moving (sold) to the States.
You see, I am confused as to who to blame, who to trust/beleive, who to get mad at.
FYI - I delted about 10 paragraphs as I was ranting and getting off original topic. For now, I am going to relax and enjoy the playoffs because I don't think there is a better sport to watch, regardless of the problems with the game.
Cheers!