Even if the NHL loses the entire season to a lockout, Sidney Crosby might not have to sign with an overseas club to play hockey.
Instead, he could be part of his agent’s world tour.
According to SportsBusiness Journal, Pat Brisson – co-head of CAA Sports’ hockey division – is exploring a sequel to the tour he organized during the 2004-05 lockout.
Brisson was the main organizer of the IMG World Stars Tour in which 25 to 30 players played 10 games in several European cities over two weeks in December 2004 during the previous NHL lockout. He believes there could be fan interest if they choose to revisit the idea.
“We had a plane (for the tour) for 17 days. (Now) the cost of the plane and the cost of the insurance may be more,” Brisson said. “But the revenues may be higher.”
In addition to Crosby, CAA represents the likes of Patrick Kane, Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Daniel Alfredsson, Jonathan Toews and Dany Heatley – none of which have signed overseas to date.
Players represented by other agencies could be involved as well.