The split of the NHLPA's revenue from the World Cup of Hockey is "skewed to the approximately 180 participants in the tournament as opposed to the 520 or so players who did not compete," according to Larry Brooks of the N.Y. POST. Sources confirmed that the split, "though not yet codified through a vote, will be in the 70-30 neighborhood, with the larger percentage going to those who played in the event." With the union "expected to reap a reward somewhat north" of $20M, that "means those who played will receive just over $100,000 while the rest of the athletes will receive approximately $10,000." The $100,000 "includes a stipend of either $9,500 or $12,000 (the larger figure going to players on semifinalists Canada, Europe, Sweden and Russia)." It does "not include the bonuses that will amount to approximately $20,000 a man on victorious Team Canada and about half that for the Team Europe runners-up." If the purpose of the World Cup was to "sell hockey and grow the NHL brand, 70-30 might be appropriate, though 50-50 would seem more reasonable." However, if the purpose is to create revenue for the NHLPA, which could be facing another lockout in '20, then $10,000 for the 580 or so guys who "didn't play in the tournament hardly promotes union solidarity" (N.Y. POST, 11/6).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun reported Oilers C Connor McDavid's contract does not expire until after the '18 season, but the team will "surely seek to extend him one year out before expiration." The Oilers would likely "want to do an eight-year deal," but for McDavid's camp, the CBA is "something to think about." The '05 CBA arrived with a 24% rollback on existing contracts "in order to get players under" the $39M salary cap. LeBrun noted he "can't imagine" why the NHLPA would "ever want or need to accept another salary rollback in the next CBA." However, even the '13 CBA "brought in new rules that affected existing contracts, notably the cap-recapture penalty provision that targeted so-called 'cheat deals' from previous years." Because of that, McDavid, might be "better off signing four years instead of eight" (ESPN.com, 11/3).
