On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Michael Augello: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 said that if the trade rumors surrounding the Blackhawks defensemen are true, it is more likely they’d move Niklas Hjalmarsson than Brent Seabrook.
Chris Hine: Source saying the Blackhawks haven’t asked defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson to submit his list of 10 he would accept a trade to. He has a partial no-movement clause.
Chris Hine: Things, like asking for a list, can change quickly.
On the Salary Cap …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: It’s expected that the salary cap for next season will be $73 million. This can go up if the NHLPA uses the escalator. Using the escalator benefits the free agents but it increases their escrow.
The flattening of revenue is a concern for many of the players. The union hired Chris Chelios as an ombudsman to the NHLPA.
Some players haven’t received anything from the World Cup of Hockey this past September. The NHLPA gets 50 percent of net proceeds and not 50 percent of gross HRR.
Bob McKenzie: “Upper limit of the cap is currently $73M. NHLPA is currently in internal discussion on whether to add 5% inflator, which has been customary. NHLPA internal debate is whether to apply full 5% inflator or some lesser number than 5 but greater than zero. Virtually no chance it’s 0. Outside of any growth prediction, or lack thereof, from NHL, a 2% inflator would add about $1.4M to the current upper limit. In any case, NHL is hoping NHLPA makes inflator decision no later than next 5 or 6 days. Everyone in hockey eager to see next season cap #.”
Allan Walsh: “Lots of misinformation out there regarding 5% inflator and impact on escrow. Fact: 5% inflator accounts for approx 2% increase in escrow. Escrow is seminal issue for NHL players. However, restricting Upper Limit hurts all UFA’s, RFA’s, could force teams to trade/buyout players.”