Ken Campbell's Column

Decertifying union dangerous step for players

Decertifying union dangerous step for players

by Ken Campbell - November 23, 2012 3:40 PM EST

Under the NHLPA, player salaries have sky-rocketed and with decertification having an uncertain result, it's a risky choice.
With each passing day in the NHL lockout, you have to wonder how the people on both sides can actually sleep at night. The only answer this corner can come up with is that when you snuggle up with that much money, it’s pretty easy.


CBA negotiations must get serious, or break off

CBA negotiations must get serious, or break off

by Ken Campbell - November 19, 2012 12:42 PM EST

Taking a break from CBA discussions may be a better option than trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
Unless everyone in the hockey world is reading the tea leaves completely inaccurately, hockey fans should expect a whole lot of nothing to come out of the talks between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association Monday night.


NHL risks losing sponsorship money by taking two-week negotiating break

NHL risks losing sponsorship money by taking two-week negotiating break

by Ken Campbell - November 16, 2012 3:13 PM EST

By walking away from CBA negotiations for a couple weeks, the NHL risks leaving significant money on the table.
Former NHL coach and current broadcaster and bon vivant Harry Neale had one of the greatest lines in hockey history. Commenting on his 1981-82 Vancouver Canucks, Neale quipped, “Last season we couldn’t win at home.


Underappreciated Oates helps make 2012 HHOF class one for the ages

Underappreciated Oates helps make 2012 HHOF class one for the ages

by Ken Campbell - November 12, 2012 6:40 PM EST

The quartet of Oates, Sakic, Bure and Sundin are the third-highest scoring class ever. Incredible to think when Oates wasn't drafted in either the NHL or Ontario League.
The way Adam Oates remembers it, he played hockey, baseball and lacrosse and ran track against Wayne Gretzky when he was younger. “And he beat me at all of ‘em,” Oates says.


Nothing to fear but Fehr himself

Nothing to fear but Fehr himself

by Ken Campbell - November 12, 2012 12:10 PM EST

NHLPA leader Donald Fehr is getting into the NHL owners' heads with his wily negotiating tricks.
With the lockout on the verge of entering its third month, the Fehr Factor has entered negotiations in a big way. That much has become crystal clear with the NHL’s rising level of frustration in recent days.


Markham Arena must move ahead without guarantee of NHL team

Markham Arena must move ahead without guarantee of NHL team

by Ken Campbell - November 9, 2012 2:45 PM EST

The City of Markham will have to take a risk now if it wants to be an attractive landing spot for an NHL team later.
When it comes to the most underserviced hockey market in the world, two things are going to eventually happen. The first is that an NHL-style rink will be built at some point in suburban Toronto.


Recent NHL CBA talks provide hope, but many hurdles still exist

Recent NHL CBA talks provide hope, but many hurdles still exist

by Ken Campbell - November 5, 2012 2:34 PM EST

Again we have an air of optimism surrounding the CBA, but how do you get 50-50 without cuts and what will become of the salary floor?
By all accounts, the negotiations for a deal to end The Lockout, Part III are beginning to get a little more serious. Please excuse us if you’ve heard this kind of thing before and gotten your hopes up, only to see them come crashing down amidst a sea of rhetoric.


Dysfunctional CHLPA preaches worthy cause

Dysfunctional CHLPA preaches worthy cause

by Ken Campbell - November 2, 2012 12:02 PM EDT

An improved education package and increased wages are worth fighting for, even if the CHLPA as currently constituted isn't fit to lead the charge.
You can bet there are more than a few junior hockey executives running around high-fiving people this morning. When you dodge a bullet you’re always happy.


Why Paul Kelly thinks expansion would help end NHL lockout

Why Paul Kelly thinks expansion would help end NHL lockout

by Ken Campbell - October 29, 2012 12:45 PM EDT

The ex-NHLPA executive director explains his thoughts on how fees for new teams could help bridge the gap between the two sides.
As we’ve all come to know over the past couple of weeks, solving the impasse that has led to NHL Lockout, Part III isn’t exactly as easy as people would like to believe.


Would the NHL have been better off under Bain Capital ownership?

Would the NHL have been better off under Bain Capital ownership?

by Ken Campbell - October 26, 2012 3:20 PM EDT

If the private equity company purchased the entire league during the last lockout, would the NHL be in a better place today?
It was interesting to see U.S. President Barack Obama weigh in on the NHL lockout recently with late night host Jay Leno by saying, “Y’all should be able to figure this out.


NHL must get CBA right at any cost

NHL must get CBA right at any cost

by Ken Campbell - October 22, 2012 11:43 AM EDT

The owners didn't tie up all the loopholes in the last negotiation and can't afford to make the same type of blunder again.
If the NHL is to be believed, a new collective bargaining agreement must be struck by Thursday in order for it to preserve the integrity of an 82-game season.


NHL rejects three NHLPA offers; long lockout looms

NHL rejects three NHLPA offers; long lockout looms

by Ken Campbell - October 18, 2012 10:35 PM EDT

After so much optimism on Tuesday, the two sides met again and claimed to be far apart.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman came to the microphone after meeting with the NHL Players’ Association Thursday afternoon and if you looked closely enough, you could see traces of smoke coming out of his ears.


Which team will win Game 4 of the Boston-New York series?




"Probably not. Their depth and our play right now...it doesn't look too good."

- Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, when asked if his team could come back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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