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I was thinking more about Europeans who wouldn't want to play in the NHL. People might think that's no great loss, and 20 years ago they may have been right. But without Europeans, just think of how much talent in today's NHL would simply vanish -- including the following (since 1990) . . .

-- almost half the Vezina Trophy winners for top goalie (six times for Hasek, plus once for Olaf Kolzig);

-- four different league MVPs (Federov, Hasek, Jagr, and Forsberg);

-- almost half the Calder Trophy winners for rookie of the year; and

-- arguably the best defenseman in the NHL today (Niklas Lidstrom).

In additon, these European stars are now disproportionately represented among the top goal scorers. Since Brett Hull last led the NHL in goals scored in 1992, only five of the fifteen league leaders in goals scored (including those who shared the lead) have been North Americans -- Mario Lemieux, Keith Tkachuk, Jarome Iginla (twice) and Rick Nash.

This league is going to be in a world of hurt if this modern brand of European player stays home.

If the league cuts ticket prices about 35% across the board..maybe even more for the cheap seats..for the next two years..and does a lot of other fan friendly stuff..the league will come back..and you'll have a lot of college players come into the league..the overall level of talent will be down, obviously, but relatively..it'll be the same..and it will be just as exciting.. and with some rules changes..they'll be fine..

Look.. to put the same thing in perspective in terms of baseball..I'm using round numbers here..to make the point....Yankees draw 4 million, have a $200 million payroll..ticket prices are insane..I go to about 4 games a year...because I get tickets from some peopel who I do business with. I can fortuately easily afford to attend more games..but no way in hell will I spend $500 to take 4 people to a Yankees game..it's insane..So let's have a salary cap of $100 million..you figure theplayers would scream, the fans would bitch..but let the Yankees announce that they are cutting EVERY ticket by $25..across the board..( 100 mill/4, OIOW)..and the fans would rejoice.. Infact, baseball has MORE leverage than hockey..because hockey players can go overseas..there's no place baseball players could go and earn even 25% of what they make now..