ESPN Ranks Hurricanes Number One - A Closer Look

by Bob Wage on Aug 5, 2009 2:00 AM EDT

"Bang for the Buck" had the most weight in this analysis and that number was a calculation, not the results of any polling. via a.espn.com

A recent article by ESPN Magazine placed the Carolina Hurricanes as the second best "fan friendly" franchise in all of major sports, as well as the number one franchise in the NHL. How did ESPN arrive at those results? What exactly are the numbers comprised of? We have not had a chance to delve into this yet, so let's take a closer look right now.

Peter Keating, the author of the article, describes his exact methodology here. To make a long story short, a consulting firm from Chicago helped with the analysis by polling 1,000 fans and asked them a variety of questions related to their favorite sports franchise. The questions included 21 topics which were eventually grouped into eight different categories. They received over 50,000 responses which were all used in the analysis.

1. The first category was "bang for the buck" which took into consideration total franchise wins over the last three years, including post season play, per revenues directly from fans. In other words, they calculated the efficiency of management and their ability to take fan generated revenue and turn it into wins. (This particular category was an actual calculation and had nothing to do with the fan poll).

The Hurricanes placed number one in the NHL for this, which is a credit to Jim Rutherford and crew.

2. The next category was "fan relations" which included openness and consideration toward fans by players, coaches, and management. For instance, open practices are common here in Raleigh, but not so much at some other places in the league. Within this category, there were four sub-categories. While the Canes placed first in all of sports concerning "player accessibility", they placed 10th overall regarding "owner and players show appreciation to fans". They were seventh regarding the questions of "providing fans an opportunity for feedback" as well as "players act professionally on and off field". (Other than yelling at cars in rural Minnesota, these guys are usually pretty quiet)

3. The "ownership" category was an interesting one. This category had three sub-categories, "honest ownership", "loyalty to core players", and "commitment to community". The Hurricanes were rated ninth best overall in loyalty to players, but ownership was rated 26th and 27th in honesty and commitment to the community.

Overall the franchise rated seventh in the league and 10th overall in this category. Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Washington were the top three.

4. "Affordability" was the next category and the Canes placed second in the NHL in this one. The consulting firm compared the pricing of tickets, parking, and concessions around the league. St. Louis placed number one, while Buffalo and Nashville were third and fourth, respectively.

5. The next category was "stadium experience" which included sub-topics "stadium quality", "promotions, contests, and giveaways," and "fan friendly environment." The Canes finished second in the NHL here, but fans rated their overall arena quality as 18th best, while "fan friendly environment" was number one in all of professional sports. (tailgating anyone?)

Minnesota ranked number one in the league here with Columbus at number three.

6. Caniacs rated their "players" at fifth in the league and 15th overall in this category. The "likeableness" of players was rated seventh while fans lashed out with a 19th overall rating for "players always give their best effort". (wonder who fans have in mind).

7. The next category, "coaching" was not the strongest for the franchise but it didn't count much toward the overall rating. Fans graded "strength of on field leadership" as ninth best in the league and 28th best overall.

8. Last but not least, the "title track" category was very highly rated by Carolina fans. The Canes finished second in the league behind only Detroit and ahead of third place Anaheim and fourth place New Jersey. Caniacs are proving to be an optimistic bunch as this rating was based upon "championships already won or expected during the lifetime of current fans".

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awesome Bubba!

Thanks for the in site!

While I think the scales on this survey are accurate, the response rate could bring out the best and worst of fans. What I mean is that a fan of say Buffalo(rich tradition, and many disappointments over the years) are more likely to be harsh on their teams, where fans of teams as young as the Hurricanes(and somewhat successful) are generally more optimistic. We here in Raleigh have also not had the luxury that many other cities have had of having multiple professional teams, so it makes many of us love the Canes even more.

Of course that does not factor into the whole of the survey or maybe not even at all… just my first thought upon reading how they came to their conclusions.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 2:34 AM EDT reply actions

It was a scientific survey.

And they did try and collect and balance out the responses of all kinds of fans, from the diehards who never miss a game to the casual fans who see a game on TV a few times a season.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions

STATS DONT TELL THE WHOLE STORY

That was my point in my original post- on the harshness people rate their teams.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I do understand that this is considered a scientific survey, however I have a hard time believing most surveys- especially self-response ones.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions

OK...

That’s fine, but most are done within a confidence margin of 2-4 points. That’s the entire point of the demographic and sampling questions they ask, the kind that control for the biases you mention.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

So your telling me that 50,000 people can honestly represent ALL the professional sports teams in the US/Canda(Raptors, Blue Jays). I have my doubts… that is all I am saying. I am a skeptic like that when it comes to Stats… what can I say.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Fair.

I have always been very intrigued by the science of polling.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

As someone who has studied polling… yes, absolutely. 50k is a huge sample size. Well more than enough for this.

What’s more important is how they got the responses. So long as it was random selection contact, then it is completely legit. If it were fans contacting them, then it wouldn’t be.

by Pirate Caniac on Aug 5, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

My studies on polling have gone as far as entry level Stats and a Research and Statistics in Recreation class. Lets just say I did miserably in Stats, but enjoyed the former due to actual hands one work. I do not claim to know a ton about the topic, just have these opinions based on what I know.

it is a huge sample size… but is it truly representative of the US sports fan population as a whole? That is only 1,000 people per state. Some of those states do not even have sports teams… some have MULTIPLE sports teams. So you can bet California sports fans got way more attention then Utah or South Dakota sports fans.

As for the Hurricanes specifically I am willing to bet that the Hurricanes had no where near the responses that I assume the Penguins had, therefore there can be a much stronger case made for bias in the results. I also bet that the Penguins fans where drastically outnumbered by the Steelers fans.

Of course I do not know any of this as fact, its just the assumption that I get. I also notice that they received 50,000 responses. How many did they not receive if this was done as a mail out or online? Or like you said, maybe the fans were the ones who clicked on the link and asked if they would fill it out… I see a lot of room for non-response bias.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I’ve taken a bunch of stats courses and several specific to polling. Has always been one of my better subjects (other students would come to me for help), and one prof even recommended I become a pollster professionally. So I’m always interested in this kind of stuff.

Well, how many fans of each team or crossover really doesn’t matter. To be accurate, it needs to be based on general population, which includes some people who are fans of no teams or sports, and many who are fans of more than one team/sport. And some teams do have more fans than others, obviously.

The minimum sample size you can have for a poll is about 20. So even if you split it up there had to be more than 20 fans of each pro sports team. The are only the major sports, too, so you can write off minor league teams, college teams, etc. So you’re looking at what, like roughly 120 teams between the NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB? Getting more people always make it more accurate, but with 50k I’d say the accuracy is pretty good. There becomes a point where it’s a waste to keep polling people. Heck, a lot of the national political polls only survey about 500-1500 people.

Like I said, the biggest concern is how they got the responses. Did they cold call people randomly? Or did they target fans on websites? And any internet style poll where people click on something themselves is the most inaccurate poll you can have. Taking a quick look at the link to the methodology it says it was done at ESPN.com, and so I’d call the accuracy into question based on that. That’s not a random sample. Really too bad, since this is a very interesting subject.

Still wouldn’t stop me from bragging as a Canes fan, though. Some of the data is very legit.

by Pirate Caniac on Aug 5, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

wont stop me from bragging either!

I understand your logic… I just am a skeptic when it comes to most polls and try to not read too much into them. I understand that many are very accurate, but I do not state them as accurate unless I know the full details of the polling, and agree with it.

Now if the ESPN.com poll was sent out to all of their INSider subscribers, and a proper sample of say 20 fans per team was acquired, would that make it somewhat accurate? Or would that create some kind of economic class bias, which the internet can do all on its own without having to be a premium subscriber.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 6, 2009 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Well, how it was always put to me is that a poll is a snapshot of public opinion. So just like a photo, you have to be careful how you analyze it, and realize that certain things may be different than the norm, and it only represents the actual moment it was taken. Does the person look like they normally do, or better because they’re dressed better or have on makeup to hide their blemishes, or do they look worse because they aren’t dressed as well as normal, having a bad hair day, etc… You get the idea. haha

I’d still say it wasn’t legitimate even if ESPN.com contacted their members randomly. Because then there’s the bias of who has a membership at ESPN.com? To get a true idea of public/fan opinion of sports teams it has to be completely random, and take into account the more casual fans that aren’t rabid enough to sign up at a website.

Heck, just think of Canes fans. How many post here vs. how many read this but never post vs. how many like the Canes but never even think of coming to a site about them on the internet? If you want to get a true, unbiased poll of Canes fans you can’t just make a poll here and say that represents all Canes fans.

by Pirate Caniac on Aug 6, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions

Cane's

I would like to go on board as saying we are grateful to our team {cane’s} and the city of Raleigh for being such a great sports city and host to 2 of the finest teams in sports. The NCST wolfpack and of course our Carolina Hurricanes. The cane’s are Raleigh a great match.I hope this relationship will last forever. I have gotten to know a lot of the cane’s players and i think of them as friends. I also want to thank ESPN for finally taking notice of a NHL franchise besides the NY Rangers and Boston Bruins.

robert

by BOOBY on Aug 5, 2009 6:34 AM EDT reply actions

Haha...

NC State one of the finest teams in sports? You sure that’s not a reach, there, Stretch?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

The NCSU Wolfpack!? hahahaha…….sorry Im a Duke fan, and I know this is the wrong room for this but I had to laugh. State sucks, they cant recruit players and they suck at handling and finding coaches! Julius Hodge sucks too!

sorry, its the Duke, UNC, NCSU thing, tobacco road rivalry and all………I had to go there!

by TylerA7707 on Aug 5, 2009 10:30 AM EDT reply actions

NCSU cant recruit?!

You might want to go back at look out our recruiting in football since TOB has gotten there bro…

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Okay, so I "went back and looked at your recruiting since TOB. including the 02 season (11-3) the Pack are 45-42 since. Take away that good year and they’re 34-39. Now, dont go all “state” on me and start talking about “recruits” who aint suited up or started yet…..everybody and anybody can talk that game. I stated I was a duke fan so I dont even get into arguments over duke vs. state in football. But I stand by my statement that NCSU sucks, and cant recruit (with emphasis on basketball recruiting, I dont follow football as closely). But just so you know, according to Scout.coms 2010 recruiting class rankings Duke is ranked 37 overall while NCSU is 49th, which also equals 10th in the conference……didnt you mention TOB recruiting or something? Cause I also found out that from 02-05 they averaged a recruiting class rank of 22.5 overall. In 06 when TOB took over till now they’ve averaged a 44th ranking. They seem to be trending down. Bro….

(I mean all this in good hearted debate! again tobacco road rivalry)

by TylerA7707 on Aug 5, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

haha NICE!

okay… You DID say you were a Duke fan- so a mainly mentioned football recruiting, since I was was mostly sure you has no clue. Good to see the effort put forth!

First off, my recruitment statement was more geared to NC recruiting, which happens to be a GREAT class this year.

I guess where my biggest argument lays is vs UNC, and have not had to ever argue my points with a Dookie before. UNC has been ranked above NCSU almost every year but I think 2002 for the past 10 years. However UNC gets a LOT of 5 star “athletes” or WR’s and that boosts their Rivals and Scout ratings. This in no way shows how a program is building depth or solidifying all positions. A few 5 stars can catapult your class. UNC had 2 last season- NEITHER of them made it to the team. I dont know what the case is with Dukes class next year, but I am sure their recruitment and team is on the way to much improvement.

“They seem to be trending down”- those 22.5 average years were with Amato. He recruited a LOT like I mentioned above on how UNC does now. You could ask any State fan and they will be TONS more pleased with the way TOB recruits then Chuck The Chest.

As far as basketball recruiting goes- Duke and Carolina dont even HAVE to recruit anymore. The name recruits itself. OF course its NCSU’s own fault for slipping so far behind and such a hideous fall from grace…

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Duke football is actually on the way up.

We’ve had some of the better early recruiting returns of any team in the ACC or the state, and, as some of the players have admitted, it’s finally “cool to be a Duke football player again.” Oghobasse mentioned this specifically at the media days. We should contend for a bowl this year, and I’m willing to bet Cutcliffe has us over .500 in the ACC before he’s done.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I believe that is what I said...

“I am sure their recruitment and team is on the way to much improvement.”

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I was just validating your thoughts, not defending the team.

You did say you weren’t aware of what their class next year was like.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I mean 2010 not 09…

I see Duke finishing 10th, possibly 9th in the ACC this year. That is a HUGE step for them, and as a former Duke fan I am somewhat proud of them.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

how can you be a former duke fan and now be a state fan?

by TylerA7707 on Aug 5, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

It is possible. My brother was a UNC fan, and is now an NCSU fan.

by Iggy Reilly on Aug 5, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions

was a Duke fan before I ever moved to NC

I saw the light when I got here.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I was also young and dumb? ;)

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

hmm, hate to lose a dookie but since you werent born here to begin with, i guess it makes it okay. From the minute I chose duke as a chlid in durham (my whole family is unc fans so I chose Duke to make things interesting) I understood that there could never ever be any changing of allegiance. Maybe pick a second team if I moved, but once a true dookie, always a true dookie! And I love to hear about this “light” you saw when you got here?

by TylerA7707 on Aug 5, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Me too.

Mom was a State fan, Dad was a Carolina fan, and I was an asshole.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions

My family has moved A LOT, so picking a team and sticking with it was almost impossible as a kid. A few years in NC as a Duke fan made me realize a few things about what I didnt like in the whole Duke/Carolina rivalry and also the schools for the academic reasons. I also spent a good phase of my life giving up on sports in general(caught the love of music… still played sports but didnt watch them often), but got back into it near the end of HS.

When it came time to pick a school it was the ECU/NCSU/UNC G choice for me. And I do not wanna hear any of the “You werent good enough to get into UNC or Duke?” BULL!! I chose NCSU, and I have forever since been a die hard.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 6, 2009 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m not originally from here, so the whole Duke/UNC thing means nothing to me. Being from Ohio originally for me it’s a Michigan/Ohio State thing. I’ll never support a team from Michigan. Adds to my hatred of the Red Wings (or Pistons, or Tigers – the Lions are kind of hard to hate when they suck so bad).

I’m ECU alum, and it suits me because of my love of all things underdog, as mentioned in other blogs. When people ask me who I support, Duke or Carolina, I just give them a dumbfounded look and say ECU.

As for “not being good enough” to get into UNC, I didn’t. But mainly because I applied from out of state. Was borderline, but just barely didn’t get in. They told me to go to another school in state and try applying again in a year or two (yeah right). In state I easily would have got in, and possibly even got a scholarship. Though I’m glad I went to ECU in the end and they’ve got my undying support. UNC wouldn’t have fit me at all.

I do have fun watching the whole UNC/Duke thing, though.

by Pirate Caniac on Aug 6, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I know.

That was the one I referred to. Although we’ll lose several good seniors. Thad Lewis is probably the second-best QB in the ACC, Vince Oghobasse will probably be a first day pick (well, maybe second now that Goodell has fucked up the draft)), and Vincent Rey absolutely should have been All-ACC this preseason.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks!

Bubba, thanks for the article and link, as I would have missed it over on ESPN had you not posted here. Glad to see how this all shook out in terms of the methodology and the weighting. I remember when I read the original article I was thinking it would be a shame if our less-than-stellar ranking in the coaching category was the one component that booted us out of first place, but given the low weighting of that category I doubt that’s what did it.

“The Hurricanes were rated ninth best overall in loyalty to players, but ownership was rated 26th and 27th in honesty and commitment to the community.” I certainly don’t feel this way, but it looks like there is still some skepticism that ownership intends to keep the team here.

by Jamie Kellner on Aug 5, 2009 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks, the story is a bit dated but I thought it was worth another look. It is interesting that there are a couple of areas where the Canes might even rate better next year. (for instance the new jumbotron for arena experience)

I see where you are coming from concerning the ownership question, but I interpreted it differently. Concerning the owner’s “commitment to the community”, I felt it might have been lower simply because PK is an absentee owner. He spends most of his time in Detroit, and usually does not get involved in local matters here, showing a lack of commitment in that aspect.

While the team obviously does a lot for the community regarding charity work and the like, the owner does not seem to and that might be why he received lower marks. It might have nothing to do with the perception of possibly moving the team, but who knows?

Although the rating on the related “honesty” topic would seem to support your thoughts.

I wonder who the fans were who participated in the poll. Anyone want to fess up and give us your thoughts?

GM of CanesCountry.com

by Bob Wage on Aug 5, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

How many owners are absentee in the NHL? Seems like our owner is absent but the players are local. Compared to the Caps where their stars are partying the summer away in Russia while their owner is homegrown member of the Washington business scene. Some of those youtube posts of AO and Semin are pretty colorful. I thought the Hot Stick comments in Puck Daddy’s piece were especially funny.

I’ll always remember that unfortunate TV shot of PK yawning in his box during the play-offs. That wasn’t the best way to connect with the fans.

The only fanpolls I see are on your site, Bubba. (and they’re way better than dumb-old ESPN anyday)

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Aug 5, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I participated in the poll...

… and don’t remember details of how the questions were asked. However, I did answer the questions based on my past experience of living in other NHL cities and my impressions (and memories) of how those teams were integrated into that particular city, and what it was like to attend games there. (For the record, I have attended many games at the old Aud in Buffalo, at the mall in Hartford, and at MSG in NYC, and lived in each of those areas for at least 5 years.)
About the ownership question, I never felt like PK was going to move the ‘Canes – I always felt like he would work to make NHL hockey stick. He seemed to see the same things I saw when we moved to the area – that this is a great place to live & do business. I did give PK lower marks because he is an “absentee” owner – he has no personal connection to the area it seems, just saw a business opportunity & wanted to make it work. I don’t see his various other business’ names on any other community sponsorships or charities – maybe I’m just ignorant of them, but he seems to have a lot of “$ muscle” that he doesn’t flex around here too much.

by marcmd on Aug 5, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions

thanks for your feedback.

GM of CanesCountry.com

by Bob Wage on Aug 5, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Eh...

I don’t know if it’s about moving the team (I haven’t heard that concern from anybody I’ve talked to who’s a fan of the team.) Probably more along the lines of frustration with the relatively rigid budget and low payroll.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions

if you would have been around last offseason and the offseason before you would have heard it from many of us.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting.

A very small pocket, then. What prompted those thoughts?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I dont know if it was a small pocket or not...

but I what I do know is the years the Canes do not make the playoffs the team does not make money… and with 2yrs down, and and a 3rd looking likely- the thoughts had started to come up.

The Hurricanes would not have gotten the support that Coyotes received from the NHL because for one, “the great one” is not our coach… and for 2 PK’s “absenteeism” could be looked as laziness by the NHL. If he isnt doing much to garnish more of a profit, why should they? Also the NHL spent a lot more trying to convince people that hockey would work in AZ then they did here in NC.

by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 5, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

And they obviously needed to.

Look at the respective local fanbases.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

3 is in direct conflict with 2. Speaking of three, how in the name of God can you place 9th, 26th and 27th and get an overall 10 th spot? There is no way this “study” has any credibility. Thanks for the article, but for wierdo studies Alan Handleman is on the radio at 4.

by Paladin6 on Aug 5, 2009 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

Because there were only nine other teams who ranked as high in each category?

Think of it like a golf tournament. Is it flawed if a player wins without having the best score in any round?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Also, what is the conflict between the second and third categories?

I see some overlap, but I also see lots of distinct sub-categories.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

No matter how valid it is – it’s great publicity and a marketing opportunity for the Canes. Lack of national recognition is a typical complaint fromt he Caniac Nation – let’s not go all skeptical when it arrives, no matter the spin. If it’s good for the franchise, it’s good for me.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Aug 5, 2009 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

Agree, everyone has been talking about it. When I asked Matt Kennedy at prospect camp how it felt to be drafted by the Hurricanes, he responded, “It’s incredible! Nothing could be better than to be drafted by the number one rated franchise in the NHL!”

The kid obviously did his homework.

GM of CanesCountry.com

by Bob Wage on Aug 5, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Sounds like a happy camper. When will they announce the invitees to training camp?

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Aug 5, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Paul Branecky just posted a dog-days update from the Canes office. Nothing new but a well-rounded summary.

So without a contract, we aren’t paying to Babchuk, right? The whole situation is in limbo until he goes else. (which I guess supports the “do nothing” approach that is winning the poll on my fishtank post. Enough already! 58 days 6 hrs and 47 min)

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Aug 5, 2009 12:11 PM EDT reply actions

He is not paid unless and until he signs.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 5, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

well… and that is the thing about Babchuck… if he EVER plays in the NHL again it will be at the mercy of Jim Rutherford….

That is why you should NEVER try to screw over your employer….

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Aug 5, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Babs ........... ah not so smartso.

I said in a blog about a month ago that JR was going to make an example of him. This is really about something bigger than just Babchuk. This is about another league that is starting to compete for players. If someone doesn’t take a stand for the NHL, players are going to use the KHL as a bargining chip. Really, JR is sacrificing Babchuk to put out notice that if you choose this route, your career will go in the tank too. The rest of the league really owes JR a pat on the back. He is showing courage in this matter. He has a good player that he is willing to lose to help the long term viability of his franchise and his league. Babchuk’s agent must be an idiot if he advised any of this stuff. Clearly Babchuk can play……..he just has a hard time planning……

Oh by the way, it is in every fan’s best interest that JR is taking this stand. First, we want to see the highest quality hockey here. Second, we do not want to overpay for talent. Salaries are high enough. The collective bargining agreement is a good one. It was designed to be a partnership. Good partners don’t go outside the marriage to gain an unfair advantage. I think that is called good faith.

by KenRab on Aug 6, 2009 6:16 AM EDT reply actions

all good points. The business side of hockey really comes to fore this time of year. Really helpful to understanding the future of the League and pro sports.

JR is certainly a team player.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Aug 6, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions