[FireGilbert]

I'm sure the post pandemic freedoms, tightened household budgets, the Hawks tanking, and general demographics with the younger generations having more options have all contributed, but almost a quarter reduction in numbers is crazy.

My take on the problem is the NHL is offering a niche product, typically followed by affluent Americans in colder climates, and putting it behind a difficult to navigate paywall. People who might have become casual fans are never exposed to the game and existing casual fans may eventually give up. To make matters worse hockey is a sport that can be difficult for new fans to follow on TV and you really need to get them hooked when they are young.

The NHL needs to push to get hockey back on American televisions. Getting the Tuesday and Thursday games on ESPN is a start but there needs to be a free option as well. I know NBC didn't work out but they should be trying to get some games on ABC. There should also be a ban on local blackouts. These are based on some strange idea they help increase attendance when really fans will just lose interest.