Save for the Penguins and Sharks, a lot of teams are already moving forward with their offseason plans, trying to prep for what will be an action packed summer. A lot of the pieces will fall into place after the NHL makes a decision regarding expansion. It looks like for now that the pathway for Las Vegas is set. The caveats are what really matter here.
Bettman says he has not discussed with Roger Goodell the possibility of the Raiders moving to Vegas or how that would impact NHL expansion
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 30, 2016
Out of all of the comments during the press conference, I found these to be the most fascinating. How are they not worried about this possibility? The big plus of going to Las Vegas is getting the opportunity to be the first professional sports organization in town. The Raiders would be cutting into a huge market share if they decide to move there.
Daly on expansion draft: "To the extent there his ultimately a decision to expand, I think the expansion draft rules are nailed down."
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) May 30, 2016
We all know this, right?
Daly says the original idea to include a minimum salary cap threshold being exposed in expansion draft has since been dropped.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 30, 2016
This is huge news for teams with a lot of players signed to deals that are beneficial to the club over a long period of time. The Blackhawks are a team that would have suffered under this rule. One big time asset would have had to be exposed.
Difference between no-trade and no-movement clauses, clearly, in expansion draft. Daly says players with just NTC can be exposed
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 30, 2016
And while Daly wouldn't say, presuming therefore that players with full no-moves can't be exposed. Looks like they'll be immune to exp draft
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 30, 2016
While not 100% confirmed, these are the details that could make or break a team. Many teams would like to only expose their own mistakes but may not be able to due to this ruling. If they have to expose players that have value because of this rule, will the Board of Governors vote in favor of expansion? It could mean a lot of money in their own pocket, but it could also mean that the team they own could be at a disadvantage in the years ahead.
It is a story that will need to be followed over the course of the next month. The more layers they add, the more beneficial this becomes for the owners. Be on the lookout for additional stipulations in the weeks ahead.
