Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix
Because that's how long it took to get it right.
Ownership was never going to win in 95, they were too divided. That led to 2005 when they finally got their cap, largely thanks to Bettman and the powers the owners gave him. It wasn't perfect though, as smart men figured out how to circumvent the cap with creative contracts. 2013 was the finishes touches and the removal of the loop holes. It was what they initially wanted in 95, and more.
It just took that long because the NHLPA used to be quite stubborn, smart and powerful... most of all they were united. The owners needed 3 punches to knock it out, and they needed Bettman to keep them in line. Personally I support it because Calgary's long term survival is linked to how owner friendly the current CBA is. Had the NHLPA won the last two lockouts, I'm not sure the Flames would even be in Calgary today.
Bettman utterly destroyed the union in 2005. The lockout in 2013 was the owners not letting the union off the mat. It will be very interesting to see if we see lockout v 4.0, the battle for guaranteed contracts. I could see a system where a team is allowed 10 guaranteed contracts or something like that.
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1995 was a completely pointless venture. Accomplished absolutely nothing and entrenched both sides further...resulting in the giant lockout in 2005 and a completely lost season.
2005 was essential. I don't think anyone could argue against it.
2013 was a bailout for the owners who made a giant mess of the 2005 CBA and needed to make some big changes to keep them from harming themselves.
So 1 of the 3 was needed, at least IMO. Bettman has presided over 2 lockouts that could have been avoided, and I disagree with your assessment that they needed 3 attempts to get it done. 1 time should have been enough, but the issue was dragged over 20 years and 3 separate work stoppages. Financially, things are in decent shape for the league now, but I think it came at a pretty hefty cost. Maybe in another 20 years under a different commissioner we will all look back at this current era a little differently. Perhaps I will look at it more favorably and Bettman's supporters will look at him a little more negatively. I think he's done some good and bad things, but he's made a lot of missteps along the way to his good things, so it tempers how I feel about those good things. Ultimately, I think the league is due for a new voice, and that, more than anything, is why I'd like to see a change.