Bleacher Report - Articles by Scott Lindquist

Gary Bettman, Paul Kelly, and the NHL

Scott Lindquist — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:36:06 -0400

This weekend I was up in Toronto for my Grandpa’s 80^th birthday. I was able to learn a lot about the current happenings in the NHL and the Maple Leafs by speaking with someone in the NHL regarding several topics.

Here are some of the things that I remembered about my conversation.

At the players meeting in Rome, my source was able to speak with a recent former Leafs' player. I found out that the Leafs' owners do not do a good job of taking care of their players or their families. Take this for example, on a flight to a game, if a player wanted a beer, he would have to pay for it.

This is odd for MLSE to do since they have very deep wallets. We are talking about dollars and cents for one of the richest (and apparently stingiest) hockey clubs. The same even goes with getting a pizza after the game.

I am sure there are other more extreme examples that I have not heard of, no wonder why very few good players really want to come play here.

The second and albeit most astonishing fact is that there was no actual offer given to Sundin from the Leafs. It was stated in the newspapers and from Cliff Fletcher's mouth that there was an offer put forward, but as far as I learned, this was a lie.

In a way it makes perfect sense for that to happen. They did not really want Sundin back to hinder the ice time given to younger players and also possibly mean a worse draft pick if he was in the lineup. Also, it makes them look good to the media and fans because it looks as though they did try. Mats Sundin would never state publicly that they did not offer him a contract because it’s just not in his character.

I spoke with my contact regarding the disapproval given to the Habs Winter Classic game. Gary Bettman has hired NFL related marketers who are treating it somewhat like the Super Bowl. They want it to be once a year and for it to be huge. There is also no reason to bring it to a popular hockey city.

When trying to increase a fan base, it is best to have these events in an area that needs more hockey fans. A great place for that at this moment is Chicago or Columbus.

Another thing I discovered is that Bettman is losing his power over the players. It all started with the induction of Paul Kelly as the head of the NHLPA. During the All Star game some of you might remember when Bettman said that there would be two games in Europe. However, the players had never agreed to it at that time and so Paul Kelly went on TV and stated so. This caught Bettman very off guard.

Paul Kelly has been doing a fantastic job with the NHLPA totally turning everything around. Previously Bettman had been trying to turn the players against the owners. However, with Mr. Kelly, he has been getting the two to talk to each other and trying to return confidence not only with the players and owners but also with the NHLPA. Mr. Kelly is the first person to actually visit with all the teams.

During the players' meeting in Colorado, after all the presentations a few players went up to Mr. Kelly and his associates stating that this is great information and how they appreciate what they are doing.

Apparently in the past, the event was fairly worthless. The crazy thing is that the players are so hungry for all the information and are so happy that the NHLPA is finally doing its job.

The Sabres have to raise ticket prices 60% because of the high cap. They sell out 97% of their stadium so they can’t make much more money by selling more seats. They did make a profit last year; however, after factoring in flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements they lost money. This is hurting a lot of clubs across the league.

With the higher cost of flying, this should become normal across the league.

The Sabres issue is also a problem with Jim Balsillie purchasing the Predators and transferring them to Hamilton. It will pull tickets away from the Sabres who need the money.

Instead, the Sabres could relocate to Hamilton and it would still remain possible for Buffalo fans to drive across the border to see their team. This would significantly improve revenue for the team.

This is why a contract with ESPN would be so much better. The Versus contract is apparently with one of Bettman's best buds who was able to win the contract which is good for two more years.

There are talks with ESPN to try and work something out. The NBA’s contract with ESPN is for over $900 million which helps take care of the cost of travel for the teams. A deal like this could help lower ticket prices for NHL games.

The Leafs are stuck in a rut that no one can help at the moment. The Teachers Pension loves making money more than winning or taking care of the team. Gary Bettman loves his power and will do most anything to keep it.

I wonder what would happen if they stepped down.

George McPhee's Offseason Achievements for the Washington Capitals

Scott Lindquist — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:32:19 -0400

The Washington Capitals were fairly low key in their summer acquisitions. Let's take a look at what they accomplished.

McPhee bolstered his prospect pool with the acquisition of Keith Aucoin, who will most likely make an appearance in a few Caps games this season. He will continue to grow in the AHL, and will hopefully be a regular on the roster in a season or two.

There was the re-signing of Eric Fehr, who had made a couple of appearances with the big club. This 2003 draft pick will most likely remain in the AHL.

Graham Mink and Tyler Sloan were signed and will continue their careers with the AHL affiliate. I wouldn’t expect much from any of these signings, except perhaps with Keith Aucoin.

Key big-league signings over the summer were Brooks Laich, Mike Green, Boyd Gordon—and of course, Sergei Fedorov. Brook Laich enjoyed a breakout season under the new coach with 21 goals. I expect him to grow and pot another 20-plus goals this season.

Another player who had a breakout season was Mike Green, who was one of the top-scoring defenseman in the league. He was called on in many key situations for the Capitals. Mike should have another strong season, but probably will not post as many points. Hopefully, he won’t be another Bryan McCabe.

An important signing was defensive forward Boyd Gordon, who saw top minutes on the penalty kill and became known for his effective skills on the defensive side of the ice. He also became somewhat of a face-off artist for the team. I expect his point total to go up slightly, and for him to continue his strong defensive play.

Sergei was also an important signing, for everything he can and will bring to the team. I still believe he will find a bit more of his old form and excitement for the game and increase his point production.

With the unfortunate lose of Huet to the Blackhawks, McPhee had to move quickly to grab another goaltender. He was able to sign Jose Theodore from the Avalanche at a very reasonable price. Colorado was able to turn him back into the Hart Trophy winner that he was, and he should maintain a strong presence between the pipes.

George McPhee kept his mind during the offseason by keeping his money in his wallet. I am glad that he didn’t go after any big name players to play alongside Ovechkin, as the Caps have all the talent they need.

George was able to solidify his prospect base to protect the future success of the franchise; replace Huet with a No. 1 goaltender; keep the Caps' defensively strong players, as well as hold on to the perfect mentor in Sergei Fedorov.

Bruce Boudreau finally has the tools he needs to break further into the playoffs.

Great article about Fedorov from the Caps:

http://capitals.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=368524

Sergei Fedorov Misplaces His Wallet

Scott Lindquist — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:34:03 -0400

Sergei Fedorov might be heading back to Russia to avoid some bills. It seems that the Russian Superstar is not the greatest at balancing his checkbook. The Citizens State Bank is claiming that he owes $2.1 million dollars from 2004 and 2005 based on interest and principal.

The two loans were for $1.75 million and $500,000 dollars. The Michigan bank felt the need to go after Mr. Fedorov after payments recently stopped. I have read mixed reports regarding him offering a Miami condominium and an 11-year-old horse as collateral. It is also listed that he refused to give those possessions over as collateral.

He was to make 59 monthly payments of $15,000 and $4,452 for the larger and small loan respectively. There was to be a final payment on each loan of $1.34 million and $390,000. The loan is supposed to be paid off in 2009 and 2010. Why did Fedorov have to take out so much money in loans?

What happened to all his money? What was he buying? Good thing Sergei signed his new one-year deal with the Capitals for $4 million. Too bad half that paycheck will be finding its way to a different pocket. It’s somewhat funny how this happened immediately after he signed his new contract.

Either way, he will probably be playing hockey for a few more seasons.

http://www.macombdaily.com/stories/071508/loc_local02.shtml http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hZ6dHBrZYfVHIWKaedesYXC2_AKQ

Toronto Maple Leafs: New Identity

Scott Lindquist — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:10:43 -0400

So who are we now? Who is the new face of our beloved franchise? Tucker is gone, Sundin is most likely gone. Wade Belak was kicked out at the trade deadline. Those faces were synonymous with the Leafs and will need to be replaced.

I suppose that the club will need a new identity. All signs point to Bryan McCabe leaving or being fairly miserable if he is to remain in Toronto. Ryan Hollweg has to be one of the ugliest people in the NHL so he is a no.

There are several other choices that one could think of in Stajan, Steen, Kaberle, or Kubina. I can’t see either defensemen really wanting that role, and I don’t feel that Stajan or Steen has had enough of an impact in one season to be “face” of the Leafs.

Finger and Hagman are still much too new to the team to be thought of at this time.

What will be the name that you think of when you hear people utter “Toronto Maple Leafs?” The one shining spot was the goalie. That little man flipping around in the crease.

I think our Finnish star Vesa Toskala should be the name that pops in your head. JFJ’s crowning achievement. It seems to me that the team is building around him (perhaps in front) now instead of a forward which is usually done.

We brought in his favorite coach: Ron Wilson. The Leafs have way too many defenseman, all of which are talented. Cliff grabbed many defensive minded forwards. We are literally going from the goalie out this season.

I hope he will get the change to face a shot.

Give Veto the C, if only for the fact that he told the Toronto media to chill out.

The Perfect Mentor

Scott Lindquist — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:49:02 -0400

I cannot be happier that Sergei Federov signed to stay in D.C. Not only will it mean that he will be there when I go to the games this year, but now Ovechkin has what he has always needed: a mentor.

It is impressive what Ovechkin has been able to accomplish without that older presence which has been lacking on the Caps. I believe that Alex can now finally finish becoming a proper leader for his team.

Sidney Crosby was lucky enough to have Mario Lemiux while Alex had no one (except a little Nylander). Now the Stanley Cup winning MVP player can teach Alex so much more. He will help the entire team mature.

I also expect an extra spark in Federov’s play this year as he seems very happy to be playing with the league's best as we saw at the end of the season and into the playoffs last year. This should be an extremely exciting year for the Capitals.

Whats The Rush?

Scott Lindquist — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:24:26 -0400

I am slightly confused with all this talk about who will be the next captain of the Blue and White. Why does there have to be a captain for the beginning of the season?

Opinions have been expressed in Kaberle and Blake, even the young Stajan. Rather then force the captaincy of the most media-covered team in the league, why not wait?

I feel that situations were different when Gilmour left the team and Sundin followed in his footsteps. It seemed only natural.

However, the Leafs are in an interesting and somewhat confusing shape. Jason Blake played in all 82 games last season but I feel he lacks the qualities of a leader. How often was he the difference maker in a game with all his ice time? Where did he step up?

Tomas Kaberle is another name being thrown around. This choice has a lot more weight backing it. He has been in Toronto for quite sometime and always manages to remain the calm of the storm. Yet he rarely faces the media and seems rather shy.

Nik Antropov’s name has also been thrown around rather often. As some people have stated previously, “he has just one good season.” I agree with that completely. I also know that one’s point total should not be the determining factor for a captain. Antropov is an interesting choice but not someone I would choose at this point.

I would like to propose a different situation. No four alternates or one captain and three alternates. Maybe even nothing. Consider this, as the season progresses, those who will want that spot will earn it. They will fill the role left empty.

Could it be Stajan? Steen? Kubina? Kulemin? The Leafs should leave the captaincy and Alternate positions open. In this way, the captaincy will be determined by the players themselves through their actions. No guessing about it.