NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman held his annual state of
the NHL breakfast meeting yesterday and "there was no
shortage of topics on the menu," according to Damien Cox of
the TORONTO STAR. Yesterday's most discussed topic was the
rising cost of player salaries, as Bettman said that despite
an increase in league revenues by $500M over the past five
years, salaries are "still rising faster." Bettman: "Either
salaries will slow down during the life of the current
collective bargaining agreement. Or I can assure you, when
the time comes ... we will have a system that's sensible"
(TORONTO STAR, 6/10). In Toronto, Allan Maki writes that to
"hear" Bettman is "to know that trouble is coming. Serious
trouble. Not right away, but soon." When discussing player
salaries and financial concerns, "there was just enough grit
in Bettman's voice to let everyone know he was not pleased
with how the game was proceeding on an economic front."
Bettman: "It's no secret to anybody that we have got teams
losing money. ... Worst case, it is a four-, five-year
phenomenon. Best case, it will start correcting itself
sooner." Maki writes that the "tone" of Bettman's remarks
"indicated the league and its players were headed for a
showdown over money" (GLOBE & MAIL, 6/10).
THE START OF A COLD WAR? In Toronto, Al Strachan writes
that "words such as 'strike' and 'lockout' never crossed his
lips. But the message seems clear. Salary increases are
acceptable but the current rate of spiraling has to cease.
If it doesn't, the league will -- for an indefinite period."
Now NHLPA Exec Dir Bob Goodenow "has to react accordingly.
If he continues to press for every possible penny, then a
major battle is assured. But by starting the process now,
Bettman has given Goodenow an opportunity to create a system
whereby both sides do well" (TORONTO SUN, 6/10). Bettman
chuckled when saying, "I don't suspect the PA (players'
association) is going to come up to me any time soon and
offer up a salary cap. Christmas doesn't come for another
six or seven months" (Mark Spector, EDMONTON JOURNAL, 6/10).
In Edmonton, Terry Jones writes that Bettman "drew a line in
the Reunion Arena slush" yesterday, and now Jones suspects
there "isn't" going to be an NHL season after the CBA
expires in 2004 (EDMONTON SUN, 6/10).
ON THE ISLANDERS: Bettman said the league is currently
monitoring the Islanders' situation: "We expect the
Islanders to ice a team that hasn't simply been created to
slash payroll. We will monitor all trades to make sure the
team isn't being stripped" (TORONTO STAR, 6/10). In N.Y.,
Joe Lapointe calls Bettman's language on the Islanders
"unusually blunt" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/10)....ON HARTFORD: Despite
a report that former Whalers consultant Lou Beer was looking
to put together an investment group to bring a team to
Hartford, Bettman said, "I'm not really focused on Hartford
right now because we're not looking at relocating there or
expanding any time soon" (HARTFORD COURANT, 6/10)....ON THE
2002 GAMES: Bettman said the IIHF has given the league until
September 15 to decide about whether to participate in the
2002 Games. NHL execs "seem more comfortable" with the TV
issues, but still want to "have its own security" for
players at the Olympic village and ticket availability for
sponsors and league members (USA TODAY, 6/10).
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: The AP's Alan Robinson wrote that
the "state of the NHL is one of transition and uncertainty.
And worry." Robinson: "So many problems. So much work for
hockey to do. So few recognizable stars to promote."
Bettman "game plan" is to continue to increase revenues,
"slow skyrocketing salaries," and "promote, promote, promote
to build a younger and broader fan base" (AP, 6/9).
GRETZKY FAREWELL, TAKE TWO? In Edmonton, Terry Jones
writes that a special Oilers' farewell to Wayne Gretzky
tentatively scheduled for October 1 next year in Edmonton is
"stalled." NHL COO Steve Solomon: "It's something we're
looking at. We're aware of Edmonton's desires. Hopefully
we can do that" (EDMONTON SUN, 6/10).
