Evander Kane Living On The Edge

Coming into the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, one of the huge names on the board was Evander Kane. Just coming off a 96 point season with the WHL's Vancouver Giants, Kane was a kid on top of the world. A power forward that displays equal parts of grit and hands, he was a wanted commodity among NHL teams. He was drafted #4 overall by the Atlanta Thrashers and the future looked very bright. However, as time has gone on, Kane is being looked at as a player who could eventually end up a bust.

Kane went right to the NHL for the 09-10 season as the struggling Thrashers really needed some help up front. As a rookie he put up 14 goals and 12 assists in 66 games, a very good start for an 18 year old kid coming out of junior hockey. His next season, he faced many minor injuries that kept him out for short spurts, however, he was still able to play in over 70 games and improved his points total to 43 in his sophomore year. His game was on the upswing and Atlanta had much to look forward too. Just a few months later, however, there was no Atlanta Thrashers.

True North Sports and Entertainment purchased the Thrashers during the summer and they were moved up to Winnipeg for the following 11-12 season. Winnipeg, an area thriving for hockey since their loss of the Jets in 1996, was more than thrilled. Fans sold out season tickets in minutes and the second the Jets name was announced, merchandise sales went through the roof, enough to be the top money maker in that area last season. With this new home, a much bigger hockey area, the media became nonexistent in Atlanta to booming in Winnipeg. The players, coaches, and organization as a whole are under way more media fire, normally being more scrutiny than anything else.

Kane, again improving on his stats his first year in Winnipeg, put up 57 points in 74 games, all looking well for the franchise kid. However, since last season ended, Kane has been under a lot of scrutiny. He held out on the Jets all summer for more money on a contract as a restricted free agent. Trade rumors surrounded him and with the season just weeks away when September 1st hit, all eyes were on him. The day the lockout was announced, September 15th, Kane signed a 6 year, 31.5 million dollar contract. To compare that to other NHL'ers, Kane is making John Tavares money, who is becoming a superstar for the Islanders. With the pressure on, Kane had to produce. 

As the lockout continued, the pressure subsided on Kane as there was no hockey and it seemed there would not be for quite some time. Kane signed in the KHL with Dinamo Minsk in the KHL. Little did he know this would be the source of more controversy for him. The coach called him out for being out of shape and after just a few weeks and 12 games, totaling only 1 goal and 47 PIM, Kane was sent home. He said the KHL style didn't fit his play, but being in Winnipeg, the media killed him. Then in November, Kane posted a twitter picture of him with stacks on money in Las Vegas. Once again, he was the face of Winnipeg, in the wrong direction. With many NHL and team employees being laid off or days/hours cut due to the lockout, this did not help Kane's reflection. 

Now, just three days before training camp opens up, Kane is nowhere to be found. With most players already skating "informally" at their training centers, this once again does not look good on Kane. The question remains whether he will come to camp in shape and ready to go with the season just a week away. Kane has made a good name for himself on the ice up until this year, however, some of his actions over the past few months have got him on the radar of the fans and media. He will have the spotlight on him once again this season and he will be expected to produce more than he did last season. With a new six year deal, everyone in Winnipeg is counting on him to be the guy. Will Kane show up and be ready to play? Or will he become the next bust of the NHL? He is the one who will control that. Just know this, the media and fans will be watching. 

Injuries A Definite Issue During A Short Span Season

Training Camps will open Sunday into Monday and the NHL season will be officially underway with games starting just one week later on January 19th. Players want at least one preseason game, however, with the little amount of time between now and the 19th, that is unlikely to happen. In such a short season that includes 48 games per team between January 19th and May 2nd, plus four rounds of playoffs between early May and June 25th, players will be even more fatigued, beat up, and open to injury. 

Players that are coming from Europe have already played quite a few games; that could be something that helps or hurts them in the long run. They are in game shape and ready for training camp. They will not have to play catch up next week to prepare for the season. When the puck finally drops, they should be ready to go. However, in the next few months of the regular season, will they be able to stay healthy, already playing from September and having to play another 48 plus playoffs? That is what time will tell. Then you have the players who have been sitting out and skating with teammates or by themselves to stay in shape. These players will need training camp in order to get into game shape, but will it be enough? A week of preparation in the NHL is not the amount most players, coaches, and teams would like, but that's all that there is an opportunity for. Will these players be in game shape for the end of January? In the long run, will using the first half of the season as rest help or hurt? There are many questions regarding both sets of players, those who have played this season for another league and those who haven't.

Another key to training will be the coaches. They have one week to prepare their teams for the regular season and have to be careful in just how much they push them. They will want to rest the players who have been skating in Europe while getting them ready with systems and other team dynamics. Meanwhile, coaches will have to get those who have not been playing into game shape without overdoing it. Coaches have a lot on their hands the next few weeks as training camp leads into the first month of the season. A slow start could mean the difference between making the playoffs and the golf course. Injuries will have a huge impact on many teams seasons as well.

In the end, it will be nothing but pure excitement for the fans. However, for the players, coaches, and teams, it is going to be a lot harder to keep players healthy and playing at their top level with such a short season. It will definitely have an impact on the playoff race. This year could be an interesting playoff scenario as some teams that may not be there in an 82 game season just may show up fighting for a spot at the end of 48. 

The Pros and Cons Of A 48 Game Season

As we all are very aware, the NHL is back in business. With a new CBA signed for 10 years, it's nice to know I'll be well into my 30's before another possible lockout. It was announced yesterday that training camp would begin either late this week or early next week with the 48 game season starting on January 19th.  The past 113 days have been real tough for all of us, but we are all very pumped for a NHL hockey season that will last until about late June, when the Stanley Cup will once again be handed out. There are many pros and cons to a 48 game season in my mind. I'm going to re-kick the blog with the goods and bads of what we will see this season!

I'll start off with the bad so we can end with the good. As I see it, a full NHL season is 82 games plus playoffs, with the season starting in late October and ending mid-June. In anything other than 82 games, there has to be a asterisk next to that year in the books (and no Devils fans, this has nothing to do with you winning in 1995). It's a shorter season and more condensed, making it way different for both the fans and teams in  many different perspectives. One of the major perspectives within that is the injury factor. Teams will be playing every other night, mainly against division rivals. This will probably to lead to way more injuries based off of the shorter training camp and preparation period plus the condensed schedule. In other words, this season isn't going to be "normal." It will be much different than what us fans normally see in a full, 82 game season. Many fans will agree with me that it slightly taints that year, but many will also not agree thinking it's an NHL season, it counts; I respect both those opinions.

Now to the good. It's a 5 and a half month season packed with just 48 games plus playoffs and it is going to be pure mayhem. To start, talks are that each team will play the teams in their division 7 times! They will then play the other 10 teams in their conference 2 times each. That means nearly 60% of the games played will be against a division rival. As a fan of the New York Rangers, all 4 teams in the division are rivals and the games get heated. Plus playing all the other conference teams will make the season crazy. Teams will need a hot start and a solid few months to make the playoffs and then take their battered bodies into a possible 4 rounds of playoffs. There will also be tons of games every night making any die-hard hockey fan the happiest person on earth. It will be a fun ride and in June we will see who wins the dash.

There are some pros and cons to the 48 game season. I'm very happy the NHL is back nonetheless. It will be fun watching hockey every night as I do every season, with millions of other hockey fans. It will be a battle to the finish and I'm excited to see who is going to get the early jump off the start on January 19th. Enjoy the season hockey fans. The blog is back and I'm truly pumped for NHL hockey!

KHL and ESPN Making An Impact

Five months ago, when the LA Kings hoisted the Stanley Cup, never did I think there would currently be a lockout over the CBA between the NHL and NHLPA. I'm sure most of you didn't either. Also, if asked in the absence of NHL puck, if KHL games were aired at home, would I watch, I would have laughed pretty hard. No shot I would ever watch a rival league of the NHL that tries to steal its players and force Russian players to stay home. This idea for an article came to me about an hour or two ago, when I learned KHL hockey, with players such as Zdeno Chara and Alex Ovechkin in live action, would be aired on ESPN2. I'm writing this article as I sit in front of the television, staring intently at the game while thinking about how I would NEVER watch the Kontinental Hockey League. What I didn't realize five months ago is how much I would be foaming at the mouth for professional hockey right now......as I know you are all too.

Hockey fans are a different breed of fans. We may not include the biggest fan base in the United States with the likes of NFL, NBA, MLB, and NASCAR having such huge impacts. But hockey fans are the most die hard you will find around. We love our sport and we follow our teams with our hearts on our sleeves. That is why I know anybody who is near a television right now or has ESPN3 on their computers that is a hockey fan is tuning into the game. With currently no NHL and no movement with the CBA, hockey fans in the United States will tune into ESPN for these KHL games. It is the closest thing to the NHL we have, with many of the players on our favorite NHL teams playing in the league overseas. 

The one thing that irks me about the whole setup is that ESPN is the network carrying the games. The NHL and ESPN haven't been the best of friends since their split in 2004. I, personally, think the NHL was right in leaving the network because they weren't getting the exposure that was expected. They made a mistake in signing with, at the time, OLN because it was not a channel in every home. However, this led to the agreement we see today with NBC, which has been fantastic for the NHL and its fans as now we can catch a game almost every night of the week on basic cable. I've even boycotted ESPN to a point because I can't catch more than a recap of three seconds for any hockey game. I'd rather watch NBC or NHL Network and get all hockey. 

In the end, ESPN is making a very smart move by airing the KHL. Hockey fans are craving hockey and it's probably the best league behind the NHL. It will bring in extra viewers, people like me, who would normally not tune into ESPN to often. It gives the network viewers and shows its interest by airing the KHL during the lockout in the NHL. It could help ESPN in the long run trying to acquire some type of NHL hockey on the network again. Seven games will air on ESPN2 and 3 during October, with more coming in the further months for sure. It's the NHL's turn to strike back and get their fans back on their league and network.

Other Hockey Markets Exist For Fans

With the continuing absence of the NHL since the lockout between the NHL and the NHLPA began on September 15, hockey fans have been looking for an outlet to dull the pain. Including talks up to just this morning, little progress has been made in the revenue area and cancellation of preseason games have cost the NHL $100 million. It seems as if there will not be NHL hockey for quite some time. In the meantime, I'm going to try and take part in watching other forms of hockey. If you want a hockey fix, here are a few options for the avid hockey fan.

Professional Hockey

American Hockey League: The AHL is the tier of professional hockey right under the NHL in the North American market. Most of these teams are owned or tied in with NHL teams as where their prospects are developed. It has a great mix of young kids on the rise who still need some coaching before the big leagues and veterans who have made careers out of playing in this league. It is very good hockey and gives a chance for the fan of a particular NHL team to see what kinds of players the team has in their system. Who knows, if the NHL returns, some of these players could see some call up time with the big club. Some current NHLers to prevent travel to Europe will stay and play in the AHL as well.

European Leagues: Although tough to find for the non-technology person, Kontinental Hockey League and Swedish Elite League games may be televised over the internet for hockey fans. Many of the players in the NHL, are heading over to these areas to play high level hockey. These are considered the professional leagues of Europe and the best of those players that stay over there will play in these leagues. These leagues also playing on Olympic size sheets, making the ice bigger and more open for players.

College Hockey

This is the most exciting league for me coming into the winter. Without NHL hockey and for me, the Rangers, my main go to hockey will be at the college level. Division I college hockey provides a great atmosphere with the game and fans alike. Stadiums are packed with supporters and bands of each time while the hockey on the ice is fast-paced and exciting. Best part about it is there is plenty of it and can be attended in person. Tickets are cheap and it's a great way to see a great hockey game. Again, these are some of the kids that have been drafted, or will be drafted by NHL clubs, developing under a team not affiliated with the big clubs. A great example of a recent player out of college to make a big splash is Chris Kreider who won a National Championship with Boston College then provided major offense for the Rangers in last years NHL playoffs.

Junior Hockey

United States Hockey League: The USHL is the top junior league in the United States. It has a great mix of home-grown American talent mixed in with some of the best young players in the world. It may not get the recognition that the Canadian Hockey League gets, but it is certainly a great game and provides hockey in some areas that are not normally reached by NHL teams. For fans of these areas who won't have much else, this is a good league to go check out. Games can also be found on the internet for other hockey fans interested in catching a game.

Canadian Hockey League: Made up of three separate leagues that play in their own playoffs and championships before coming together for the Memorial Cup (one of the COOLEST concepts in hockey), this league is the best of the best in terms of junior leagues. Canadian players run the league since it is home-grown, but some of the best talent outside will make their way over in hopes of being seen and drafted by an NHL team. Some big time NHL prospects and undrafted players make their way through this league and put up some major numbers. It is exciting hockey to watch and can be found on the internet as well. Unless your really that desperate and want to move to Canada, where it'll be the top story on ESPN every night!

Hopefully that provides some other options to all you hockey fans out there waiting for the NHL to return. I know we all need hockey fixes, so these will not be as great as the NHL, but something close to it to hopefully provide some closure to hockey depression. Just hope the NHL comes back soon.....

Dont' Feel Bad For Either Side

The NHL Lockout, angering and upsetting every hockey fan that lives for hockey season (which is all of us), is in full effect and doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon. Opinions among team managements, analysts, and fans are starting to swirl about who is right and who is wrong in this whole mess. However, there is one set of people who are not praying for hockey just because they love watching it. These are the people that rely on hockey to give them a job, to provide for their families, and to support themselves. These are the hundreds of team employees that may aren't the presidents and vice presidents. They make $20,000-$50,000 a year and are either having their salaries cut or being laid off from their position due to budget cuts.

The NHL was the first one to announce cutbacks just about a week ago in the wake of the lockout. They announced nobody would be laid off, but certain employees would cut back to four day work weeks and see pay cuts worth 20%. A 20% pay cut may not seem anything to an owner or somebody that makes a few hundred thousand a year, but for those who are working just to make ends meet, 20% is a huge hit for them. NHL teams have also started to announce certain cut backs since money is not coming in and doesn't seem like it will for some time. The Vancouver Canucks are one of them and did just as the NHL did, nobody loses their job, but employees will take a 20% cut and four day work weeks.

That was until the St. Louis Blues and Ottawa Senators announced in the past 48 hours that they will have to let some jobs go. The amount of jobs cut by the Senators was not immediately known, however, St. Louis announced they are cutting just under 20 jobs and the rest of the employees will work four days per week with pay cuts. Some of these jobs are being abolished for good and will not be filled again at any time. Those are just three teams so far that have cut back due to the lockout, with many more on the way. As it goes on and on, money will decline within organizations and they will be forced to take action. 

Don't blame just the owners for the removal of jobs....the players are just as guilty. Remember there is an NHL league minimum player wage of somewhere around $500,000 (it changes). That, plus bonuses that players receive because it does not add onto the salary cap, give the players PLENTY of money to make it through some time off. They are not the ones pulling strings to get by. It's the lower wage employees of the teams and league getting the brunt of the situation. It's not only these people either. Think of all the television workers who rely on hockey to provide them with work. What about the concession stand workers, the security guards, arena staff, etc that are getting pushed out because hockey is on a lockout? Nobody is thinking of them.

So the next time you think about taking a side between the NHL and NHLPA, remember that neither are helping the situation and as it gets worse, jobs and money are being cut by the league and organizations, hurting those such employees. It's really a shame to see these people suffer in something they have zero involvement in. The players are not hurting for money right now, nor are the owners of course. Next time you think about taking a side, think about the hard working individuals for teams cutting pay cuts and lay offs for nothing of their reason. Does that sound fair......?

The Longer We Wait, The Worse It Gets

At first, it was just a small number of NHL players that left to play overseas when the NHL vs NHLPA lockout officially began about ten days ago on September 15. However, recently, more and more names have been signing contracts to play with clubs in other leagues over in Europe. Obviously, this isn't a sign of hope as most players are beginning to prepare for the worst, a full season without the NHL. Many still believe a deal will get done, but as time goes on, I see it as a death sentence for the 2012-2013 season that should have began last week with training camp.

The key hope that has been focused on for weeks is that the last time the NHL had a lockout, the teams were not even close to talking as oppose to this time where there is communication. The problem with that is the communication has resulted in nothing being agreed upon so far and the meetings have dwindled in numbers the past few weeks. In fact, there aren't any meetings between the league and NHLPA on the schedule. Closed door meetings between the bosses of each group continue a few times a week, but obviously without scheduling a legitimate NHLPA/NHL meeting, we can see not much is actually getting done. That is a major cause for concern because the days are ticking away and little by little games on the schedule are being canceled. Without official meetings, there is absolutely zero hope for the fans.

The main issue right now between the two sides is revenue sharing. All sports revolve around money and at the end of the day money is always the issue. This is not good in this case because both sides are driving hard for the deal they want. Both sides are represented by firm individuals that won't settle for much less than what they want, making it a very complicated situation. The players received 57% share of the revenue during the last CBA agreement. After seeing the NFL and NBA restructure their revenue sharing to a near 50/50 split, the NHL now wants to sit the players at 49% to start, with that amount lowering each year. Each percent represents about $30 million dollars. The players are looking more at a deal of around 54% each year, something the owners will not allow to happen. With money being a main focus as it always is, it's hard to expect a spur of the moment deal, further agonizing the pain of the fans waiting for hockey season.

With this, time is on the side of the NHL owners. Their first money-making venture of the season will be the 2014 Winter Classic, the NHL's biggest event of the year. They are in no rush to make a deal as they aren't technically losing much money. The players on the other hand have a pay day coming up midway through the month of October. They will be the aggressors come early October to try and wheel a deal. If they want their first season paycheck, they will have to come up with something by this time. If not, they will be losing money very soon.  However, with Don Fehr running the show, they won't be so quick to jump into an agreement in which they aren't getting what they want.

This battle is just as bloody as the last one and we all know what happened with that season. It's already becoming a struggle everyday to read the headlines of nothing happening on the forefront and nothing in the immediate future. As time goes on, I don't see things getting better in time to save this season. There is probably a month left to get a deal done. If November hits and nothing has been done, I fully expect nothing to get done and the 2012-2013 season to be lost. Pray for the opposite, but don't be confident either.