The NHL is SAVED

by user Joshkross

Well, not really, but I got your attention, didn't I?

Three free-agent deals completed this weekend will work wonders, however, to bring back fans to the NHL.

First, The Flyers nabbed Daniel Briere from the Sabres.

The brings one of the the best young centers in the game out of media anonymity and into one of the better markets for hockey and sports in general.

Then the Rangers answered, and answered big. They snagged Scott Gomez from the Devils to center the second line with Brendan Shanahan.

Next, they stole Chris Drury, Buffalo's other big stud, to center the Jaromir Jagr line.

I actually think the Rangers are going to try to get Sheldon Souray as well, which would be amazing.

The Atlantic division, in my opinion, is probably the most vital to the NHL's success. The teams affect about 25% of the US population. With the Rangers being mediocre and the Flyers being dreadful, attention dropped off. If the Flyers and the Rangers renew their great rivalrly, the Devils come back to the pack, and the Islanders get better (especially if they keep Ryan Smyth), making for an ultra-exciting division chase, people will watch. (I hope.)

Either way, great deals for both teams, and I'm looking forward to next year. Now if only versus sold the contract to ESPN.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2922738

Tyrone BriggsHall of Famer

880 days ago

Score 3

ESPN would rather show poker and spelling competitions.

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JoshkrossDraft Pick

880 days ago

Score 0

Only because the NHL is stupid. Gary Bettman is almost as stupid as the Union leaders.

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I am a cpcpMajor Leaguer

880 days ago

Score -1

That's 'cause spelling bee participants score more than hockey teams.

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WizardmanRed-Shirting

880 days ago

Score 3

I was expecting you to say they fired the commissioner.

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I am a cpcpMajor Leaguer

880 days ago

Score 1

I was expecting him to say they started playing football.

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ChristofMVP

880 days ago

Score 5

So the Flyers and Rangers are both spending mad money in free agency. I though there was a cap now in the NHL these days? :)

Flyers still need help on the blue line, and I still question their goalies. The Rangers look to be loaded, however, will Gomez flop being out of the Devils system?

It would be nice to see the Flyers-Rangers series return in full force!

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JoshkrossDraft Pick

880 days ago

Score 1

I actually think that of late, the Devils system was keeping Gomez down. He and Shanny on the same line could be really interesting. It will be nice to go back to hating the Flyers rather than not caring and feeling kinda bad for them.

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Cobras36Red-Shirting

880 days ago

Score 1

Shouldn't the NHL find a marketing firm that has experience negotiating TV contracts?

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JuTMSY4Legend

880 days ago

Score 2

ESPN had a 60 mil option they declined in 2004...Comcast offered a 3 year 200 million dollar contract which the NHL took...this year will be the last of those 3 and don't be suprised if the NHL takes less and goes for a "major" network...

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JoshkrossDraft Pick

880 days ago

Score 1

Next on the Travel channel, we head out to Ottawa to see the Sens take on the Predators. To be followed by Daisy Mae in Bratislava.

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JuTMSY4Legend

880 days ago

Score 0

Like anyone would honestly want to go to Ottawa...Bratislava maybe...Ottawa no...

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JuTMSY4Legend

880 days ago

Score 1

although, and I'm sure this info isn't easily accessable, does anyone know what Comcast/versus made off the deal...did they break even?

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JoshkrossDraft Pick

880 days ago

Score 0

I'd guess not. I've actually been to Ottawa, pretty city. No reason to ever go back though.

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Cobras36Red-Shirting

880 days ago

Score 0

It'd be interesting to see what 30 second ads during hockey telecasts on Comcast/Versus were going for. Given the ratings numbers, I'm going to guess that it was on the lower end of the scale.

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