Believe it or not, the Lightning would have to cut almost $3-million from its payroll to fit the $31-million salary cap being proposed by the NHL.
Bill Daly, the league's chief legal officer, has been touring NHL cities to show media representatives diagrams and pie charts to illustrate the NHL's financial state and the need for "cost certainty."
The $31-million figure has been proposed to ensure teams a $5-million profit.
Still, it is about $13-million less than this season's average payroll and it would be a huge blow to high-end teams such as the Rangers who are at $77-million. Asked if the cap would be gradually executed to account for higher payrolls, Daly said it is an issue to be discussed.
"It's not like I am demanding a $31-million hard salary cap," Daly told the Rocky Mountain News, adding he is not prepared to commit "one way or another" to a luxury tax preferred by the players association.
Daly said there has been "minimal discussion" between the sides since Oct. 1.
"We told the players association that we're ready to get back together any time they think it makes sense," Daly said. "So far that hasn't happened. If it goes on a couple of more weeks, maybe we'll reach out again and see if now is a good time."
The collective bargaining agreement expires Sept. 14.
Five Questions
With Blue Jackets left wing Rick Nash:
Q: When you were younger, did you play hockey year-round?
A: I played lacrosse every summer growing up until I was about 14 or 15. I also played baseball, soccer.
Q: Would you recommend that?
A: It depends on the kid. If he doesn't feel like he's going to get burned out, let him play. But I think the summer is time for rest, especially when you have a long season. Do off-ice training instead.
Q: When did you drop all other sports?
A: Probably when I turned 16 and moved away to play junior in London (Ontario). I didn't have time to do anything else.
Q: How did lacrosse help you in hockey?
A: It does give you soft hands, and it's real good for endurance. I still like to take the lacrosse stick and throw the ball around.
Q: How do you see yourself developing?
A: At the end of the day, I'd like to play like Joe Thornton. I try to mold my game around his.
Around the league
Kings center Jason Allison, out since Jan. 29 after sustaining three whiplash incidents in a 10-day period, told the Los Angeles Daily News he might not play this season. ... Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said goalie Curtis Joseph still is on the market. But how can they trade him while he is playing well and Dominik Hasek (groin) is doing only light workouts and not taking shots? ... Colorado's Paul Kariya is expected to play today against the Wild. He has played two games since Oct. 21 because of a sprained wrist. ... The Maple Leafs have not played in Denver since December 1997 and have never played in the Pepsi Center. ... Georges Laraque is still the league's most feared fighter, but the Edmonton Journal reported the Oilers told him he needs to do more. The paper said Edmonton could ship Laraque to the Devils, Senators or Rangers. ... Former Lightning prospect Fedor Fedorov, now with the Canucks and whose brother is Mighty Ducks superstar Sergei Fedorov, was scratched in four consecutive games with AHL Manitoba. Vancouver GM Brian Burke called his play "dreadful." ... In Darryl Sutter's first 82 games as Flames coach, which also coincided with his one-year anniversary with team on Dec. 28, Calgary was 38-29-11-4 for 91 points. Said Flames president Ken King: "He is the most important thing to happen here in 10 years."
Quotable
"A lot of people would like to drive seven hours to play with the Senators. The thing is, though, if I score three goals, I'm going to have to drive everywhere." - Senators center Antoine Vermette, who drove from Ottawa to Boston for a game rather than fly because of an ear infection.
- Compiled by staff writer Damian Cristodero from personal interviews and information from other news organizations.
