You know it's August in a work stoppage expiring CBA year when the hot news is Gary Bettman's salary and an injury to another Flyers depth defenseman.
The Sports Business Journal examines NHL tax filings and finds the league office to be losing money (you don't say?) with its highest paid exec being commissioner Gary Bettman (nearly $8 million in total comp) and its highest paid contractors to be a bunch of law firms that take in a collective $8.8 million to help the league deal with the Coyote Situation and other such Balsillies eternally in the air.
Somewhere closer to the ice, the Flyers are starting to look like they really have contracted an Islanders virus as another defenseman is to be out for several months with hip surgery. Sure it's just Andreas Lilja, but these things add up -- especially when "but we have Bruno Gervais" is your comfort statement of choice.
For Islanders discussion (more below), we have a ranking and discussion of their top prospects. [FanShot and notes here]
Also casually related to the ice, or at least the thought of playing on ice in the future: The Avalanche tacked on another year to J-S Giguere's contract at $1.5 million and a no-move clause. I guess when you're bored, you're bored.
And on the ice right now, though not specifically NHL-related: The Canada-Russia Challenge. Featuring:
- Griffin Reinhart is day to day with a shoulder "stinger." Welcome to the Island.
- Also welcome: CAN-RUS Challenge: Ryan Strome 1-on-1
- And high, moves: CAN-RUS Challenge: Nail Yakupov 1-on-1
- International Hockey : CAN-RUS Challenge: A Different Game
Moving on then...the Islanders have new ribs Ice Girls.
Speaking of ribs and flesh, Justin Bourne catches up with Papa-in-law Gillies on that Penthouse photo shoot mentioned last week. Good times.
Drifting further from the ice again: Yes, the Winter Classic is fairly lockout-protected. You know, if there's a lockout 'n stuff.
(And yes, the NHL and NHLPA are meeting this week. The union's first counterproposal is due tomorrow.)
*Okay, maybe one of you out there makes $8 million. LHH pick-up rink fees are on you.