If all these teams are SELLERS... then I am BUYING

[Prototype]

I have Cheese Room... funny, cause I'm Lactose Intollerant... :S

[jam26]

I agree that the Cheese rule could be scrapped and that it is a trade deterrent. I've held off making several trades because of the Cheese rule. As I see it, anyone who makes a pitch for one of my veterans will require salary as well.

I'd be happy to pass it along, but I'm getting close to maxing out my Cheese. So instead, I'm holding off on those trades, realizing I can probably only make one major move (that involves sending salary to a contender) and then I'll be backed in a corner with no Cheese.

[flambers]

Well the Rangers have lots of Salary room to send or receive..... so if yah need to make a move give me a shout ....

[droopydrew19]

I do not see the cheese rule as a hinderance. In fact it is a league commodity. I think the GM's that are having problem with it need to look around and find ways of clearing cap or getting more space.

I think that it should help with parity but some are letting it quash deals.

[simmer2]

I know I've only been in the league for a month now, but I wanted to post my thoughts on the Cheese rule.

I agree with Drew in that cash is a commodity in the league. I like the Cheese rule because it requires diligence in managing the salary cap. It is easier for me to sit here and say this because the former Habs GM was quite good at leaving a substantial buffer in the Cheese space. Basically, I like the additional challenge of also having to manage the cheese space, along with salaries, UFA's, etc. It keeps the league a bit more realistic. Having a team with $100mm payroll would be possible outside the Cheese rule and that is really starting to get away from the reality of the NHL.

[I wanna be like Miikka]

Originally Posted by simmer2

I know I've only been in the league for a month now, but I wanted to post my thoughts on the Cheese rule.

I agree with Drew in that cash is a commodity in the league. I like the Cheese rule because it requires diligence in managing the salary cap. It is easier for me to sit here and say this because the former Habs GM was quite good at leaving a substantial buffer in the Cheese space. Basically, I like the additional challenge of also having to manage the cheese space, along with salaries, UFA's, etc. It keeps the league a bit more realistic. Having a team with $100mm payroll would be possible outside the Cheese rule and that is really starting to get away from the reality of the NHL.

Yeah if we take away the cheese rule then the cap becomes even softer. I think it is a good challenge to make sure you manage what happens. It shouldnt ruin deals but it can force a GMs hand once in a while.

[OILFAN #81]

Atlanta is a buyer. Looking to make 1 specific deal that we have our eye on to fix a hole in our lineup. Other then that, if something fits we'll make a deal but we'll look at all scenarios to improve the team this year.

[Knut]

The thing you have to remember is this... it is real easy to clear salary space in the summertime if you have taken on alot of salary... if you are smart about it you can get good assets for players.. Every team thinks they have a shot at it in the offseason.

The Cheese rule is a good rule... in that it makes you think.

[Prototype]

The Cheese Rule to me is unneccessary. We have a great model to look at in the NHL. While I understand that cash is a commodity, how much more do we need than players, prospects and picks? At the end of the year, the cash disappears, and the cap resets. So in a way, technically we are trading nothing in the end. Short term, it helps, but long term, there's nothing.

I wouldn't mind the Cheese Rule being removed only if trading of cash is removed as well. If trading of cash is still an option in the CPHL, something like the Cheese Rule is needed IMO.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by Prottotype

I wouldn't mind the Cheese Rule being removed only if trading of cash is removed as well.

That would be doing two things to accomplish one thing....kill trading altogether.

Look at the NHL these days....no trade and a lot of it is because of the cap and the inability to move money around. If the league wants trading...trading cash has to be an option in my opinion. If we didn't have that option than about 80% of the deals I ever made wouldn't happen.

[Prototype]

Which is why I clearified in my OP about my thoughts on the Cheese Rule... obviously there was a problem with teams having 90M rosters. Sure, they'd have to firesale in the offseason, but if you look at the standings this year, the league is damn compeditive with the rule in place.

I'm a fan of the Cheese Rule if cash is traded. If the league is considering removing it, it would make more sense to me for all teams playing on the same playing field, which the rule provides now. I don't know how removing the rule while maintaining cash transactions benefits the league. But, I guess I have the reputation as the naysayer when someone talks about change... and I don't get a vote in the matter.

Just voicing my opinion.

[Knut]

What the cheese rule gives a team is the opportunity to stock up going into the playoffs, and for non-playoff teams to dump their high salaried players and get some assets in return...

Removing it would kill most of the trading in the leauge (other than lateral moves) and it would be more about developing your own players... the issue with that is that one NHL season = one CPHL season.... so teams at the bottom of the league would ahve little chance to improve themselves, unless they wait until their draft picks are good in the CPHL, which usually means 5 to 7 years... we would not be able to keep GM;s around if they do not think they have a chance to be competitive within a year or two.

[JiriHrdina]

Well to weigh in - I think the current combination of the cheese rule and our salary cap rules are actually working well.

It's made the game more challenging but at the same time trade activity is still relatively ok. Not as high in the past perhaps but I also attribute a decline in activity to smarter GMs.

One of the best ways to promote trade activity in the past was hiring dumb GMs who everyone than lined up to bend over.

[Sylvanfan]

Hah, in the past the Commissioner used to hand pick his idiot GM's put them in charge of teams with players he wanted and rape them blind before the rest of us knew said team had a new GM!!!!

[simmer2]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

One of the best ways to promote trade activity in the past was hiring dumb GMs who everyone than lined up to bend over.

I'm the second newest GM, what are ya saying Grant?

[Hanna Sniper]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Well to weigh in - I think the current combination of the cheese rule and our salary cap rules are actually working well.

It's made the game more challenging but at the same time trade activity is still relatively ok. Not as high in the past perhaps but I also attribute a decline in activity to smarter GMs.

I with the group that the cheese rule and cap are working great.... with this being a rebuilding year for me I've been able to really tighten up on my salary and cheese, running on a 56M payroll and with a 8M buffer for cheese to send packing at the deadline.... point being if teams are there and need cap it is available throughout the league it's just not handed over in suitcases like years before on a jet to cheese for free. And I second the smarter GM's comment which does make for a tighter league in standings and trades, with the smarter GM's there's also a lot of less reckless GM's that go full out with no care for what effect it'll cause next year

I know I've had a lot of trouble trading because i just don't know what to do... I'm caught standing still between two directions, I find myself doing a better job helping other GM's build their deals then I do mine.

[Goffie]

Pens are buyers and looking to make some moves before teh deadline!