Seeing is believing

Sporting News, The, June 7, 2004 by Kara Yorio

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Questions and answers for your offseason consideration:

Q: Will the NHL and the NHLPA find a compromise before the collective-bargaining agreement expires September 15?

A: Short answer: Not on your life. Long answer: Although both parties are trying to put a good public spin on the conflict, their stubbornness in private will prevent a deal until after the World Cup. The union refuses to accept any kind of salary cap, cost certainty or whatever the NHL wants to call it. Plus, the union already offered a 10 percent cut across the board in salaries, which the league rejected. Get ready for a long and hard fight.

Q: Will the Capitals shock the hockey world and trade the No. 1 pick or keep it and not take highly touted prospect Alexander Ovechkin?

A: Short answer: Not on your life, on both accounts. Why would the Capitals fritter away a chance to grab a legitimate franchise player? Their last attempt at suiting up a superstar--Jaromir Jagr--was a complete failure, costing the team financially and in the standings after a brief honeymoon. The Caps will pick Ovechkin, market the heck out of him with the hope of increasing season-ticket base and then pay him the discounted and completely affordable rookie salary (which has a good chance of remaining in place under a new CBA). Who wouldn't want to take a chance on a cheap, highly skilled prospect?

Q: Will Jeremy Roenick, among others, retire after the World Cup if a labor dispute shuts down the league?

A: No, but you might see more than a few players take their sticks to the new WHA or to Europe. Today's players train for virtually the entire summer, so it makes sense they would want to remain active--namely, play--during an extended offseason.--Paul Grant

KARA YORIO

kyorio@sportingnews.com