Cap Space for Clunkers

The recent 'cash for clunkers' program, which was introduced by the United States Government with the hopes of stimulating the economy, has been seen by many as a big success. The National Hockey League seems to be one entity that has thought highly of the program as it is now in the process of introducing to all 30 NHL teams its own form of a stimulus plan.

A recent memo that was sent to all NHL team, direct from the league headquarters, indicated that the league, in conjunction with the National Hockey League Players Association, is proposing a plan that will theoretically clear much needed salary cap space for all teams that choose to participate. The program, 'Cap Space for Clunkers', is designed to allow NHL teams to simply discard unwanted players that are deemed as 'clunkers'. The program has been in the planning stages for some time, according to a source within the commissioner office, who asked not to be identified. The source also indicated that the union is "on board" with this program, and in fact "delighted at the prospect of recycling" some of its more problem players. What remains to be seen however, is how the NHL teams individually will view the proposed program.

A member of the one organization, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that he would love to shed some cap space so that he could sign more young, skilled, and higher-quality players.

"It would be nice to bring in a quality winger now and then instead of paying someone to ride the pine."

A high ranking member of the union, who did not want to be identified for fear of retaliation from members who may find themselves out of work because of this proposal, was initially "luke warm" to the idea but has since decided that all clunkers would indeed be replaced by younger and better dues paying players, so the membership numbers and the unions bottom line would not be affected.

One sticking point to this whole plan may be who and how a player will be determined and thus labeled a clunker. Even though the union does endorse the plan, its current members are very leery and nervous on what its outcome may be.

A league player, who is considered an enforcer, recently stated, "Yeah, I'm nervous. Some might view my role in this league and assume because I only play 3 or 4 shifts a game and spend 10-12 minutes a night in the penalty box that I should be labeled a clunker, when in fact my role in this league is vital."

Several amateur hockey leagues and associations are said to be unhappy with this type of program and have voiced their concerns. Even though the program does not specify overall player numbers in the NHL, it is thought that for every player deemed a 'clunker' there will be replacement, most likely coming from one of several amateur leagues.

The AHL, ECHL, IHL, and NCAA have recently signed a petition against the proposal because they believe that their participation will dwindle so dramatically with the mass signings to the NHL, that most teams will be simply forced to fold.

One University President said, " How in the heck are we supposed to run a program when all we get to sign up are high school JV players?"

What eventually becomes of the proposed 'Cap Space for Clunkers' program is unknown. While there may be parts of the proposal that has merit, what is known is that not every member of the NHL sees the benefits in the same light. It is clear that the league is not satisfied with its product and is somewhat tied-down with its current salary cap system. But what remains to be seen is whether or not instituting a program this drastic will help with the goals that the NHL has.

As for any Wild related rumors...I have none.