A Modest Hockey Proposal – McDavid Leaves the Oilers, with the Hows and Whys of It

A Modest Hockey Proposal – McDavid Leaves the Oilers, with the Hows and the Whys of It

Note: This is just meant in the spirit of fun and irony, not to be taken seriously by lawyers and such.

• 1987 – Gretzky traded/sold after about 10 years with Oilers (including WHA).

• He went to L.A. - the idea was to lock down hockey as a major league sport in the U.S., especially Southern California (and southern regions in general).

• The deal was between Pocklington and McNall – but obviously the NHL brain-trust must have also been involved, at least to some extent.

• Gretzky was “wasted” in Edmonton – he was a big draw all over North America, but it would create more publicity if he was playing in a larger market. More money and prestige for everyone.

• Flash forward to 2020s.

• McDavid has had about 10 years with the Oilers, came very close to a Stanley Cup.

• McDavid is “wasted” in Edmonton – he is a big draw all over, but would create more publicity if he was playing in a larger American market. More money and prestige for everyone.

• But how to move him to a different city?

• Solution: Oilers owner and management (Katz and company) insist on keeping under-performing goalie(s), though it is obvious that this is not working.

• This frustrates McDavid, so he wants to go to a contender with standard or better goal-tending.

  Predictions:

• Oilers insist that Skinner is the man, this summer. McDavid decides “that’s it, I’m out of here”. Bonus: the wife goes to a bigger, more important city, as did Gretzky’s wife.

• McDavid does not go to the Leafs or any other Canadian team (sorry Leafs fans). The NHL (i.e. Bettman) sees no point in that, they want him in an American market.

• Once this is accomplished, the Oilers will shop around for a new, better goalie, and obtain one. That will console the local fans, at least somewhat.

• Which market? Probably one that is promising for expansion of the league’s presence in the U.S.. But probably not one where hockey is already firmly established (not New York, for example). Possible locations: Utah, Seattle San Jose or Columbus.

Questions:

• Is this crazy conspiracy thinking? No, this makes perfect sense from the NHL’s point of view. Furthermore, pro sports are “entertainment” so questions about fairness are irrelevant.

• Why would Katz do it? He has his new hockey arena. He doesn’t need McDavid to draw fans in Edmonton. Leon Draisaitl will still remain with the Oilers, so that will assuage the local fans (especially if the Oilers sign a new goalie, shortly after McDavid leaves).

• What’s in it for Katz and Oilers management?

  • Many possible hockey or non-hockey business opportunities or positions might suddenly open up (though it would just be a coincidence).

  • Plus, there would be a status gain for this development “it was best for the good of the league and the game”. Edmonton fans would grumble, but they will always show up at the rink and on the TV.

• Would this be considered anti-trust behaviour on behalf of Katz and Bettman (possibly others as well)? Hard to say, but it would be difficult to prove anyway.