An open letter to the NHL; Subject; Contract, contrast to age.

Dear readers,

An open letter to the NHL.

I regret to inform you of a chrisis situation going on under your very awkwardly shaped nose, Mr. Bettman.

Yesterday I wrote a story on my hockey blog about the elder abuse going on in NHL training camps this season, using the two players Brendan Morrison and Bill Guerin. Today I bring you part two, in the happenings with Wade Redden and Sheldon Souray.

In the pre lockout it was unheard of, vanquishing your over-paid under achieving players in professional sport to the minor leagues… Today it has become a common occurance in the NHL. Following the lockout season in 04/05, the NHL salary cap started to take its toll on its players they were trying to appease.

With cap restrictions looming over the NHL general managers as they dusted off their offices, many were forced to make harsh and perhaps, irrational approaches to making their NHL teams salary cap compliant. In this case, and also the most common move, is to send their players they feel they are not getting enough out of to their minor league affiliates. Now, to the naked eye and for a business decision, it makes sense to simple ship your un wanted players off, out of sight… out of mind… and off the books. But dare I to udder the words again today, of Elder Abuse.  These are NHL calibre players who have played to earn their contracts you have given them, dear NHL general managers. Do you not see the obligated right you have to them, to ensure them an equal chance of participation?

Wade Redden of the New York Rangers, did not attend a full NHL camp this summer. He was made aware of the cap situation long before the start of the 2010/2011 NHL pre season, that the team could not afford him. While most his future teammates were practicing with the big club and trying to fight for position on the main roster, Wade was forced to play in Hartford with the NHL cuts. Dawning the Wolf Pack jersey he will grow accustomed to this season, he took his demotion in stride… I mean, what else is he going to do? Burning any bridges he may have back to the NHL by questioning managments decission, just doesn’t seem to be a fitting move. Now, had Mr Redden been able to fight for position on his NHL  club and still be demoted, then there would be logic behind it and he would have no choice but to accept his placment with no dis regard. Until that happens, he must live with himself and the thoughts of what could have been, the idea that maybe he could of wowed the coaches this year… And the disapointment of his 6M+ a season salary.

Now we avert our attention to a NorthWest division team that has been under its own fair share of scrutiny this offseason, with Sheldon Souray and the Edmonton Oilers. Last season the oilers hit rock bottom in the standings, and having the first overall pick in the NHL was the only thing to keep fans from jumping ship and searching for dry land. Sheldon Souray was no doubt, very high on the Oilers former general manager list when he signed him during the off season. Unfortunately this enthusiasm never carried over to the new head coaching duo last season of Tom Renney and Pat Quinn. Following a grueling and disapointing season in 09/10; Sheldon Souray said in a news confrence if the team wished to trade him, he would not object to it. They must do what they need to in order to make their team better. Taken as a challenge, the once fiery Tom Renney told Souray he may not attend his NHL camp this season, and must wait for assignment.Today was the cutoff date for Sheldon to get to his new team, and it was then we were all shocked again by the move made by the Edmonton Oilers. Sheldon Souray is on loan to the Washington Capitals farm team, in Hershey.

Both of these players are involved in two separate issues involving their denial to NHL training camps this year, and both of these players have been done a lot of wrong by their right holders. The NHL general managers have no responsibility when it comes to their lucrative contracts they bestow upon the games budding stars, and veteran players. When a young Dustin Penner is offered a 500% pay increase, when only 250% is deserved, then you cannot blame him when he doesn’t live up to the contract. When an NHL GM hands you an offer you know you cannot turn down, a last chance to cash in before your career is done for… You can not reject.

Instead of these suits being penalized for their mistakes, and lapst in judgment; These seasoned vets are being forced into demotion from their clubs. These are not just pawns on your board or cards in your hand people, these are married men, making a living the only way they know how. While Wade Redden is on a bus driving across the country to play hockey, his daughter is at home in New York alone with her mother.

These astronomical contracts, are hurting no one but the players and families who accept them, you don’t want to say yes, but can not afford to say no.