Thread: The Official CBA Negotiations/Lockout Super Thread

An analysis of which teams are losing money and why. Part 5 tomorrow.

Spectors Hockey | Analysis of the NHL’s Money-Losing Teams (Part One).
Spectors Hockey | Analysis of the NHL’s Money-Losing Teams (Part Two).
Spectors Hockey | Analysis of the NHL’s Money-Losing Teams (Part Three).
Spectors Hockey | Analysis of the NHL’s Money-Losing Teams (Part Four).

I honestly don't understand all of this "boycott" and "greed" talk.

There are billions of dollars at stake. Both sides want what is in their best interest. It doesn't make any sense for either side to take a bum deal just to make sure that you have your season on time. Both sides know that a lockout will hurt the game/their bottom line, and both sides want to get this resolved as soon as possible. But they want to do so while getting the best deal for themselves.

It's a business. Yeah, it sucks for us, as we are the ones that suffer from it. But it'll be sorted out eventually, and hockey will be back. Why aren't you going to go to games anymore? Don't you love going to games?

If you want to stop buying stuff, by all means, stop. But this "grrr that'll show 'em!" mentality is childish.

Originally Posted by anjae11eden

Are you on PS3? If you are I wanna team up!

Nope. 360.

I don't think it's childish. By definition, these people are being greedy. Each side is thinking only about how much money they can get. Whether or not you think that makes them a-holes, you cannot deny it is greed. If people do not want to spend their money to support that, that's their prerogative.

What I really don't want to see is a CBA that only lasts a few years. This needs to at least be a semi-permanent solution.

Originally Posted by FishMonger

I don't think it's childish. By definition, these people are being greedy. Each side is thinking only about how much money they can get. Whether or not you think that makes them a-holes, you cannot deny it is greed. If people do not want to spend their money to support that, that's their prerogative.

What I really don't want to see is a CBA that only lasts a few years. This needs to at least be a semi-permanent solution.

It's the definition of greed? I think it is the definition of common sense. When negotiating, isn't the whole point that both sides are hoping to get the best they can, and then both sides eventually meet in the middle somewhere?

I don't understand. If you believe you are worth $100K and you are negotiating your salary with a new company, are you going to start at $50K so as not to be greedy? How is it greedy to want to get paid what you are worth/maximize your returns?

We are 100% in agreement that if people don't want to spend their money, that is their prerogative.

I'm simply saying that the gratification of "sticking it to the owners and players for negotiating for themselves" shouldn't outweigh the gratification of taking in the sport that you love. But if it does for you, as I said, absolutely boycott your heart out.

Originally Posted by USCKingsFan31

I honestly don't understand all of this "boycott" and "greed" talk.

There are billions of dollars at stake. Both sides want what is in their best interest. It doesn't make any sense for either side to take a bum deal just to make sure that you have your season on time. Both sides know that a lockout will hurt the game/their bottom line, and both sides want to get this resolved as soon as possible. But they want to do so while getting the best deal for themselves.

It's a business. Yeah, it sucks for us, as we are the ones that suffer from it. But it'll be sorted out eventually, and hockey will be back. Why aren't you going to go to games anymore? Don't you love going to games?

If you want to stop buying stuff, by all means, stop. But this "grrr that'll show 'em!" mentality is childish.

As usual, you raise valid points. Your post makes perfect sense and is mostly right on. But the "grrr that'll show 'em" statement is a little off...especially for me. At this point, that's what it's all about. Me. I really don't care who's right or wrong at this point. It's not about showing "them" so much as it is doing for me and mine. Sure, there's some irritation there for me, this being the 3rd work stoppage I've endured since being a fan. But aren't I entitled to some of that?

They have every right to fight for the best deal for themselves, and I have the right to seek out new hobbies while they do that. I work hard, but at the end of the day, don't have much money to throw around. My kid, that I announced the birth of on these boards almost 6 years ago, is now going to an expensive private school. Money is tight for this fan. So just like the players and owners that want the best deal...It got me thinking that maybe MY money could be better spent to serve ME better. Like I said, I'm realistic and know I'll always be a fan. I'll still watch all the games. I won't be throwing away anymore money on anything else though.

Priorities. The labor dispute got me thinking about them. Does that make me childish? I don't think so, but if you do so be it.

I also want to say that I don't even think there is a wrong reaction from the fans perspective. Just as the NHL and PA can decide what's best for them, every fan has the individual right to decide what is best for them...whether you quit the NHL or buy season tickets, it's all good by me.

A great article from, who else, Bob McKenzie that gives a pretty good lowdown on what both sides are thinking and how they see the offer from the other side:

Fear, loathing and 'I can't believe we're doing this again'

Originally Posted by santiclaws

A great article from, who else, Bob McKenzie that gives a pretty good lowdown on what both sides are thinking and how they see the offer from the other side:

Fear, loathing and 'I can't believe we're doing this again'

McKenzie just nails the situation. The only quibble is that he doesn't factor in Don Fehr into the equation. The NHLPA doesn't hire the biggest union attack dog on the planet only act all conciliatory. Fehr NEVER gives anything without getting something bigger back, and that's the position the players currently are taking. Fehr's track record includes a number of work stoppages including the cancellation of a World Series, so that should tell us that he's not likely to back down quickly. Which is a shame, because with revenues up like they are, seems to me that there is a big enough pie for everyone to be happy. yet both sides are going to the mattresses when they should be working together to get this solved. Pox on both their houses...