Getty Images Leigh Steinberg – aka the agent who inspired “Jerry Maguire” – believes that the CBA negotiations should be more about “help me, help you” and less about “show me the money.”
His column for Forbes begins by mocking the league for squandering fantastic momentum from last season.
The National Hockey League and their players have performed a magic trick that would leave David Copperfield speechless. They have taken a profitable and exciting 2011-2012 season that brought them increased attendance, television ratings and exposure, topped by a captivating battle between teams in the nation’s two largest media markets and managed to disappear the following season into thin air. As NFL playoff races heat up, the battle for BCS supremacy and bowl game positioning in college football is at its peak. The NBA season has started to take shape, and we move towards Holiday Season–does anyone really care?
Harsh, but maybe true.
Ultimately, the experienced negotiator believes that the two sides should keep the bigger picture in mind rather than trying to be the victor in a confrontational situation.
… One of the important concepts was not to get so caught in the detail as to forget the ultimate goal of the negotiation—in this case maximizing NHL player and owner economics. What was needed here was a deadline, a willingness to commit to solution before the very length of the discussions led to economic self-destructiveness. PT Barnum’s maxim “The Show Must Go On” is relevant here.
Click here for more from the once-prominent sports agent.
Also, feel free to wedge a few more “Jerry Maguire” references into the comments if you’re bored.
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“I’ve got a nice little scratch mark on my forehead from the claw marks.”
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23-year-old defenseman had six goals in the playoffs.
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Preds stay busy, ink Henderson to two-year, $1.1 million deal
Jun 18, 2013, 4:13 PM EDT
26-year-old made his NHL debut last season.
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Pegula ‘concerned’ about Miller and Vanek, wants to keep them in Buffalo
Jun 18, 2013, 3:26 PM EDT
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But will they stay?
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Could an NHL team one day call it home?
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Sharks, Couture reportedly agree to five-year, $30 million extension
Jun 18, 2013, 3:07 PM EDT
As per TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
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He’s still “day-to-day” with his injury.
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He’s been given permission to seek employment elsewhere.
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“We don’t care about calling certain guys superstars on our team,” said the coach.
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AP
Hey, he did take two weeks off.
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AP
The Isles are one team that’s reportedly interested.
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Former North Dakota standout was a 2009 Panthers draftee.
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The No. 2 overall pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft is ready to go.
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Former ‘Hawks assistant takes over the Caps’ minor-league team.
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They’ll suit up for AK Bars Kazan next season.
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Datsyuk announces three-year, $22.5 million extension with Red Wings
Jun 18, 2013, 11:15 AM EDT
AP
Detroit has its core players locked up.
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They’re just two wins away from their second championship in the last three seasons.
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They’ve agreed to a new partnership.
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Those aren’t the investors.
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AP
They don’t have a lot of cap room and might look at alternate means of creating space.
