Oh No, Not Again ...

Tryouts are just those, tryouts. Often nothing happens with them, but why bother? As with that link, the Rangers gave Mark Smith a shot when they thought they needed an experienced depth guy who was capable on the kill (he proved he wasn't). But what could the Blueshirts be thinking about now that they've decided to give aging centerPetr Nedved a PTO??

Nedved already had two stints here, failed in Philly two years ago (-20 in just 21 games) and wasn't all that great when he went home to the Czech Republic to play for Sparta Prague last year (45 games, 25 points - just five assists - and 98 PIM). He was part of two black moves here (Traded to Pittsburgh by NY Rangers with Sergei Zubov for Luc Robitaille and Ulf Samuelsson, August 31, 1995. Traded to NY Rangers by Pittsburgh with Chris Tamer and Sean Pronger for Alex Kovalev and Harry York, November 25, 1998.) and appears to have nothing left in the tank at 36 years old.

Outside of some name recognition for the fans in Prague should he not completely stumble through the preseason, I can't imagine why Glen would want to waste money to give Nedved a third tour as a Ranger. Sure he has had his moments in his career, but there simply is no space on the roster for him.

The team would be better off signing some unknown Canadian college kid if they need bodies to fill out the camp/preseason roster. Could you imagine what the reaction would be should the Rangers sign him, while letting Shanny go? Or even if they give him a roster spot over Lauri Korpikoski or another of the kids? This is just ridiculousness.

 "Oh No, Not Again... The NHL's Rollercoaster Ride Through Lockouts"

The National Hockey League (NHL) has a storied history filled with thrilling games, iconic players, and passionate fans. However, it's also a league that has experienced its fair share of labor disputes, including several lockouts that disrupted seasons and tested the loyalty of fans. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of NHL lockouts, their causes, and the impact they've had on the league, its players, and its fans.

Part 1: The Lockout Chronicles

1. The First Lockout (1992)

Examine the NHL's first labor dispute in 1992, which resulted in a shortened season and set the stage for future conflicts.

2. The Lost Season (2004-2005)

Explore the infamous 2004-2005 NHL lockout, a bitter dispute that resulted in the cancellation of the entire season, a first in North American professional sports.

3. The Shortened Season (2012-2013)

Analyze the 2012-2013 lockout, which led to a shortened season and showcased the ongoing tensions between players and owners.

4. The COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)

Discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the NHL's regular season in 2020, resulting in an extended hiatus before the playoffs.

Part 2: The Causes and Controversies

5. Player Salaries and Revenue Sharing

Examine the central issues of player salaries and revenue sharing that have fueled labor disputes and strained negotiations.

6. The Role of the Salary Cap

Discuss the implementation of the salary cap as a contentious issue in labor negotiations and how it's affected player contracts.

7. The Impact on Player Careers

Consider how lockouts have affected players' careers, especially those in their prime years, and the challenges they face during extended periods of inactivity.

Part 3: Fan Reactions and Resilience

8. Fan Frustration

Explore the frustrations and disappointments of NHL fans who have endured canceled games, lost seasons, and prolonged labor disputes.

9. Fan Resilience

Highlight the resilience of NHL fans, who continue to support their teams and the league despite the disruptions caused by lockouts.

Part 4: The NHL's Road to Recovery

10. Collective Bargaining Agreements

Examine the role of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in labor negotiations and how they shape the future of the NHL.

11. Preventing Future Lockouts

Discuss the measures taken by the league and the players' association to avoid future lockouts and ensure the stability of the NHL.

Part 5: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How do lockouts affect player salaries and contracts?

Lockouts can lead to salary reductions, contract disputes, and delayed payments for players, impacting their financial stability.

2. What can fans do during a lockout to show support for their teams?

Fans can engage in grassroots efforts, such as supporting local hockey initiatives, advocating for fair labor practices, and staying connected with their teams.

3. Have any positive changes emerged from NHL lockouts?

Some positive changes have emerged, such as revenue sharing agreements and improved player safety measures, as a result of labor negotiations during lockouts.

The NHL's history with lockouts is a rollercoaster of tension, disappointment, and resilience. While these labor disputes have tested the loyalty of fans and strained player-owner relationships, they have also paved the way for critical changes that benefit the league's long-term sustainability.

As the NHL moves forward, fans, players, and league officials are united in their hope for a future without lockouts. Through open dialogue, fair negotiations, and a shared commitment to the sport, the NHL can continue to thrive and provide fans with the thrilling hockey they love, without the looming threat of yet another lockout.