The NHL has the smallest total fan base out of the 4 major sports, the smallest revenue from television, and the least sponsorship. So what happened? The NHL has just never recovered since the '04-'05 lockout, which resulted in the cancellation of the 88th season in the NHL. Since then, NHL fans have just not followed as they used to, watching the other professional leagues instead of the NHL. So how can the NHL compete with the other leagues? I have thought out a way the NHL can make a comeback, which involves a lot of changes. This section will be Part 1 of 3 parts.
Step 1: Revamp the Teams
To bring back fans, you may need to hold a draft. Not a rookie draft, a draft consisting of EVERY NHL player. It may be difficult but it would bring fans back to watching the games.
There would be 28 teams. Minnesota Wild , Columbus Blue Jackets and the Atlanta Thrashers would be cut out of the league. There would be 1 new franchise, the Las Vegas Highrollers.
The draft would be 30 rounds. The players who are not drafted, would be placed on the Minor League teams.
The divisons would be kept the same as it is now. The Las Vegas Highrollers would go to the Pacific division, the Dallas Stars would move to the Central division.
Part 2 will be about the schedule next week.
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December 8, 2008 at 10:56 AM
you have to be joking with this post...right? I hope you are anyway.
The NHL isn't the richest of the sports in the nation but they are doing fine. The salary cap, which is linked to revenue, has risen each year since the lockout. Which means across the league revenues are up.
And attendance at the games is at (I believe) an all time high and rivals that of the NBA.
But on to your plan:
Minnesota has sold out EVERY SINGLE GAME since they got the team a few years ago. If there is one city in this country that loves hockey like the Canadians it is this one.
I agree with getting rid of teams but I get rid of Florida and Nashville (they don't want that team anyway). And if you are really daring you get rid of 4 more and make it a 24 team league. (atlanta, buffalo, columbus, and find another one).
why 30 rounds for the draft?? You do realize that teams only have 23 players on a roster...right? and only 20 can actually dress for the games.
The key to fixing the NHL is to bring back the rivalries. So go back to the 4 division format and play more within each region.