The Daily News has certainly gotten the hockey world’s attention this morning.
According to Frank Seravalli, “Multiple sources confirmed to the Daily News on Friday that [Ed] Snider, once seen as a supporter of [NHL Commissioner Gary] Bettman’s push to rein in the players’ share of revenue, has soured on the process after it became apparent that a deal would not be brokered in time for a Dec. 1 puck drop.”
Many of the leading reporters from around the league, including Elliotte Friedman (CBC), James Mirtle (the Globe and Mail), Katie Strang (ESPN) and Aaron Portzline (Columbus Dispatch), have either passed along or weighed in on the assertion that “Mr. Snider” could be the key to ending the NHL lockout.
From Seravalli:
“Put simply: Snider and the rest of the NHL’s owners were promised a big win by Bettman, with player concessions on revenue division and contracting rights. The best they’ll get now is a small win in revenue split- coupled with a demoralized fan base and all-important corporate sponsors that are ready to quit.”
Concern over sponsorship and fan apathy are not factors to be dismissed, but understanding how often “sources” are just passing along educated guesses or blatant misinformation, I would not read too much into this.
Friedman previously suggested in one of his weekly “30 Thoughts” columns that the main hard-liners remaining were the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, the New York Islanders, the Florida Panthers, the Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals and Dallas Stars. I think you could fairly add the Minnesota Wild to that list, as Craig Leopold has often attended the actual negotiation meetings.
In short, everyone with an interest in the NHL has already made the assumption that Ed Snider and the Philadelphia Flyers are not driving the bus (aside from being a cause for why contract rights are so sensitive right now). Anyone talking casually on the subject can make the connection that Snider likely wants to see the lockout end sooner rather than later.
Darren Dreger of TSN, possibly the most connected man in hockey, had this to add, via twitter: “Good example of an owner who wants to play…badly. But, I’m told Snider remains strongly in Bettman’s corner.”
UPDATE: Ed Snider released the following statement on Saturday: “An article appearing in today’s Philadelphia Daily News is absolutely erroneous. I am a solid supporter of National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman and the League in this unfortunate situation. Like all fans, players, owners and League officials, I am extremely hopeful that an agreement can be reached and we can eventually be playing hockey again soon. League rules prevent me and all owners from making any comments on the labor negotiations. I will continue to honor that and not make any further comments.”
Nothing new to see here, folks. Go about your business.
For the latest Flyers news and updates, you can follow me on twitter (@JoshJanet).
He doesn’t give a damn because 19000 idiots will show up at the first game back, overpay for tickets buying ugly orange shirts. Hockey is a specialty sport, some are addicted to it. The casual fan doesn’t care. I hope they stay out forever.
Love Hockey.. and Ed unlike Lourie Gets what being an owner is about.
The flyers are almost always good and entertaining with a shot to run for the cup every couple years or so.
I honestly don’t know how people can not like Hockey.. Then again I am a big Soccer guy as well.
When was Ed’s last cup? He is exactly like Lurie, a shrewd business man who spends money to keep the seats full and the 10$ beers flowing
Comcast keeps the Flyers entertaining and spends money —– Ed Snider was a cheap SOB during the dismantling of the late 1980 Flyers — he wouldn’t pay Mellenby, Propp, Howe, Hextall, Poulin, and the Flyers were one of the worst teams in the league because Ed and his even cheaper son
Is any of this a Surprise, who really thought there would be a quick settlement..
This NHL Season has about 2-3 Weeks max to reach a Deal of the entire Season will be lost.. I love Hockey and played Hockey up until my early 20’s
but the NHL does very little for me anymore.. Half the Rosters change every years with players who i’ve never heard of, from Countries all around the globe and who have names I can barely pronounce.. The SPort of Hockey is a grea tone, but I do not follow the NHL much anymore for I find it ddificult to famiarize with so many new players year after years who really have no loyalty to each other, their Teams or the Cities/Franchises they play for..
It’s become a minor-league novely Sport any more ..
@ cigar…
You’re obviously no fan of hockey, much less the Flyers. Many in Philly area are 4 for 4 in their loyalties, even those of us who had to move far away. One cannot remotely compare Snider to Lurie. Snider built a highly successful business in this area long ago and he’s the least penny-pinching of any sports owner in this city. Snider has done more for the area’s people than any other franchise owner ever did. The Flyers may not have won a Cup in 37yrs, but they have been in more Stanley Cup finals than any other NHL team since they were founded in ’67… eight times (’74 ’75 ’76 ’80 ’85 ’87 ’97 2010). Lurie has only seen his Eagles go 1 time to the SB.
As a fan, I’d like to see less of players jumping around from team to team… more stability on teams with chance to really build something. It is still the best team sport with its combinded speed, grace and rugged action.
@ iggles thanks.
Cigar, you are completely off base here. You hate hockey? Great. Have fun with that, but you clearly don’t know jack about it.
I love hockey but this most recent work stoppage has made me think twice. F. Them. Snyder is a great owner who is established. I believe Lurie is a very good owner too. He spends bucks.
I think hockey is f.ed up. They know they can count on 18 thousand in the hockey cities so they take them for granted. I hope the season gets canceled. F. Them!
Both Snider and Lurie are very Good Sport Franchise Owners
the big difference is that Lurie admits he is not a Football man and lets his Front Office handle Football/Personnel Issues while Snider on the other hand thinks he’s a GM and actually knows how to evaluate Talent and Player Personnel.. Snider is nothing but a “Mafia-Wanna-Be” who has gotten by in Philly intimidating the wussy press who cover the Flyers for over 30 Years because of their Stanly Cups in early 70’s and it disgusts me..Snider has become the Al Davis and Jerry Jones of the NHL and is not very well-liked by his peers around the NHL.. Players love playing for him for he overpays and coddles and protects them…but he doens’t know jack about Player Personnel and alays has his “yes men” running the front Office/GM