Earlier today, The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell set off a mini firestorm with the following tweets:
Being told that, as part of a counter proposal, NHLPA will try to make future expansion and relocation fees part of hockey related revenue.
— Ken Campbell (@Ken_Campbell27) December 31, 2012
With two new teams and a total of about $600 million in expansion fees coming, that would be a huge demand by the players.
— Ken Campbell (@Ken_Campbell27) December 31, 2012
Suffice to say, the NHL would have very little interest in redefining hockey-related revenue -- especially at this stage of negotiations (cue Bill Daly running screaming into the streets of Manhattan) -- to include any expansion/relocation windfall. Campbell’s $600 million estimate may actually be on the low side, with potential new markets including Quebec City, Southern Ontario, and Seattle.
Fortunately for all those hoping for an end to the lockout (pretty much everyone except lawyers and possibly David Stern), David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail reports that Campbell’s information is incorrect.
Just told NHLPA never considered or even discussed asking owners for a share of future expansion or relocation money.
— . (@dshoalts) December 31, 2012