What are the pros and cons of expanding regular schedule as NHL explores 84-game season?
NHL (via Getty Images)
The National Hockey League (
NHL
) is said to be considering the 84-game regular season again as part of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) talks. The subject, which emerged in several rounds of talks, has generated controversy in the hockey community.
But is it what it should be?
Here are some of the benefits and some of the disadvantages that the NHL will have to consider for the supposedly 84-game regular season.
Additional games translate to additional dollars, but what is the price for players in the NHL?
The National Hockey League (NHL) is rumored to be revisiting the 84-game regular season as part of ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. The proposal to include two games in the regular season has ramifications that reach far beyond the scorecard. While the NHL seeks to maximize its business and engender more fan interest, the expansion rumor mill is once again churning. But is it what it needs to be?
Two additional games per year can greatly increase revenue, particularly for lower-market teams. More tickets sold, broadcasting rights, and concessions would directly enhance team profitability.
An 84-game schedule provides more room for balancing a schedule between conferences. With 32 teams in the league, maintaining equal numbers of home and away games against divisional and inter-conference foes is easier to do with two extra games.
A long schedule provides for teams such as the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens or the New York Rangers and New York Islanders to see each other more frequently. These divisional rivals are customer favorites and have built-in historical appeal that is difficult to achieve with random pairings.
BREAKING: NHL considers 84-game season | How will this IMPACT Montreal Canadiens? | Habs Preseason
Skepticism on NHL's suggested 84-game model
While there are potential advantages, numerous members of the hockey world are apprehensive of the long-term effects of an 84-game season on players and team operations.
Lengthening the season increases the likelihood of injury and exhaustion. With the existing 82-game grind already stressful, the additional games may further fuel burnout, particularly among experienced players.
More games would definitely incur more travel days, disrupting the recovery schedule and possibly on-ice performance. Cross-country matchups would be tough for coast-based teams.
The NHL did try an 84-game schedule for a brief period in the early 1990s. It was greeted with lukewarm enthusiasm, with nothing to indicate it had any tangible dividend. That experiment remains a cautionary tale even to this day.
Also read:
Who are Wayne Gretzky's kids and what do they do? A closer look at the legendary NHL star's family
Will NHL put business or player health first?
As the National Hockey League and its owners weigh adding two additional games to the schedule, the league finds itself at a fork in the road. While the temptation of increased revenue and renewed rivalries is enticing, issues of player well-being and travel arrangements can't be dismissed. The choice may ultimately depend on a balance between competitive purity and business potential.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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