Good post by Benjamin that takes a look at the mess the NHL could be in two years from now should revenues fall significantly next season.
The Flyers, for instance, have $44-million committed to the salary cap for 2010-11 and don't have a goaltender under contract. Teams like Edmonton, Detroit and Pittsburgh are up there in terms of commitments, too.
The only solution I can think of is an artificially raised cap, one that allows teams to fit more players in and pay out less via existing contracts. Escrow would get even higher than it is now, and the salary cap figure would merely be funny money dollars.
The NHLPA's optional cap inflation bump of 5 per cent suddenly becomes more important, if only to keep the cap right where it is. Revenues may be up slightly this season, but there's no question they're in for a hit.
