Tuesday, February 6, 2007

The middle of the end for Gary… and Saskin Now?

I’ll read what Adam Proteau has to say and give you the main points:

First, Oilers chairman Cal Nicholls fired a shot across Gary Bettman’s bow at the last Board of Governors meeting, when he quite correctly derided the commissioner’s laissez-faire leadership during the heated debate over the NHL’s nonsensical schedule.

Then, this week comes rumours the league has made overtures to Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage, regarding his willingness to replace Bettman when the latter’s contract expires after the 2007-08 season.

Meanwhile, as THN Senior Writer Ken Campbell and others are reporting, the NHLPA is a mess of near-Mesopotamian proportions. One faction of the union wants nothing less than Ted Saskin’s resignation, while the other wants nothing more than some peace and quiet for at least 10 minutes.

At this point, it’s impossible to say the stories and people undermining Bettman and Saskin have a large degree of credence behind them. But everybody understands these types of tales rarely surface when collective expectations are being met.Two divergent sets of natives are growing increasingly restless, and no amount of Pollyanna press releases can mask that fact.

Let's all face it... Gary's in until 08. After that, it is all up to what the BOG wants... more money for their pockets? Or a better NHL for everyone?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Holy S. I'd love Gossage to take over as Commissioner. At least he knows what sells. Bettman's world is so far from reality that he has alientated half of his fans by sissifying this league. Keep up the good work Matt. I enjoy reading this blog. Write MORE!