Post by sixerz2k4 on Oct 14, 2004 17:44:23 GMT -5
It's weird how it took this unfortunate event of hockey postponing itself that makes me want to watch a slap shot, big hit, or a sweet glove save. It hasn't even been a month into when the season would start, and I miss it.
But I know why it has happened and there may not be one way to save it, but I've thought of some of the problems.
1) The draft. The American population in the NHL continues to decline. The draft should be the thing that brings more of us Americans in the draft, but the owners are busy giving 7-digit salaries to foreigners that may not play well in the US. If it came to the point where we have to make a limit to how much rookies can make, it should be done. Also, to ensure more Americans play, how about we have a North American draft for all the players wanting to play from North America, and then an International draft for all the players not from North America.
2) Luxury tax. While a salary cap is the last thing players want, a luxury tax could work. If each teams give a percentage of the income, it would go to a central fund, where it could be given out EQUALLY to every team. So teams giving away more money may get less, but teams paying less get more. This way, team's have a closer amount of money to use, therefore making teams closer in strength.
3) Season length. This is an obvious thing. 82 games may work in basketball, but playoff hockey is what the fans rave about. So by lowering the season by 5-10 games, teams will sell out easier. There's slightly less games, so people that want to see their team will make sure they get tickets. Also, every game will count more, as if a team is back 5 points in the standings with 3 games to go, it will be tougher than having 10 games to go.
That's all I can think of now, even though I know for sure there is more. Any more suggestions please post.
But I know why it has happened and there may not be one way to save it, but I've thought of some of the problems.
1) The draft. The American population in the NHL continues to decline. The draft should be the thing that brings more of us Americans in the draft, but the owners are busy giving 7-digit salaries to foreigners that may not play well in the US. If it came to the point where we have to make a limit to how much rookies can make, it should be done. Also, to ensure more Americans play, how about we have a North American draft for all the players wanting to play from North America, and then an International draft for all the players not from North America.
2) Luxury tax. While a salary cap is the last thing players want, a luxury tax could work. If each teams give a percentage of the income, it would go to a central fund, where it could be given out EQUALLY to every team. So teams giving away more money may get less, but teams paying less get more. This way, team's have a closer amount of money to use, therefore making teams closer in strength.
3) Season length. This is an obvious thing. 82 games may work in basketball, but playoff hockey is what the fans rave about. So by lowering the season by 5-10 games, teams will sell out easier. There's slightly less games, so people that want to see their team will make sure they get tickets. Also, every game will count more, as if a team is back 5 points in the standings with 3 games to go, it will be tougher than having 10 games to go.
That's all I can think of now, even though I know for sure there is more. Any more suggestions please post.
