Run Away and Get Paid!

by John Fontana on Jul 6, 2005 6:13 PM EDT in Business of Hockey

Perish the thought Sidney Crosby actually plays three seasons in the NHL before earning his payday... No, it can't work like that....

So the Cros-meister, who Americans do not know yet and haven't seen him play while Canadians are held in awe by him, is negotiating to play for a Swiss Elite team for 10 Million.

I'm sure some people will piss and cry that this is a loss for the NHL and further proof the new CBA is the bane of their existence, but you gotta think of all the money Crosby is turning down if he jumps to Europe.... Namely marketing opportunities that woudl be thrown at him from Canada and the US.

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It’s a scary thought of Crosby bailing on the NHL, but at least he’s doing the negotiating with European clubs NOW. This leaves the NHL and NHLPA time to re-work the CBA or put in some Crosby Clause that may be able to keep him here.

But it’s inevitable that offers are coming from overseas. I would’ve guessed a Russian oil-funded team would’ve made the big offer, but so far it’s a Swiss team…I wouldn’t be surprised if a Russian team makes a better offer in the coming weeks.

by Brian on Jul 6, 2005 10:25 PM EDT reply actions

Considering the poor conditions with Russia clubs, I would doubt a 17-year-old superstar will be put in such a position.

by James on Jul 7, 2005 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

One has to just recall the St. Pete Times story on Lecavalier in Russia to see what he went through.

The Language barrier, the 3rd-world points, etc… And Sid wouldn’t have other NHL’ers surrounding him, or other North Americans specifically.

The same is true with the Swiss club. Does Crosby really want to jump into a totally foreign experience jsut for the payday? Even if the competition is much less than what he woudl face in North America?

by John F. on Jul 7, 2005 10:45 AM EDT reply actions