cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/58233840
If Canada ran its own top-tier league, focused on Canadian cities, rivalries, and development, would the sport be healthier and better at the highest level?
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/58233840
If Canada ran its own top-tier league, focused on Canadian cities, rivalries, and development, would the sport be healthier and better at the highest level?
No.
Canadian teams (except maybe Toronto) could never compete with the money teams from the USA can offer. Some players would play for a little less to be close to home, but they’re professionals with relatively short careers. If they’re not making as much money as they can add quickly as possible, that’s foolish. Most will follow the money.
It would be a lot like the KHL. A handful of marquee players that could argue they’re top talent in the world and would pull big money from the top 1-2 well-funded teams.
But it would be a mostly lower tier league because the teams from New York, Chicago, LA, etc will always have deeper pockets, especially factoring for exchange rates and taxes.
Money already doesn’t guarantee the best hockey. The NHL struggles with competitive balance as it is.
If a Canadian league emphasized parity, rivalries, and consistent high-level competition, could that offset lower salaries for at least some segment of elite players?
The NHL is by far the league with the most parity between the North American majors. If you think it struggles with competitive balance, try watching other sports.
Its the only major league…
North American majors leagues. Just Google it if you’re confused.
NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL.
What other four “major leagues” did you think I meant?
I thought you were talking hockey
I guess the real question is can we take back our game?