Although it is true, these guys are robbing players of their spots in the other leagues (temporarily), I have to wonder:
- how many tickets are they selling for Swiss League games that might have otherwise gone unsold -- thereby potentially improving the leagues long-term. The roster spots will open up again when the lockout ends.
- how many NHL fans in other countries are seeing their favorite players (or at least the best players in the world) for at least a short time. We are frustrated we'll miss out on NHL action. Fans in Switzerland are getting their only taste of it.
I know I'll probably go to a couple AHL games early that I wouldn't normally -- just to see some of these guys that would be in NHL jerseys if not for the lockout.
Points-only, Full Keeper Dynasty League
Active roster (no starts, just total points): 12 FW, 6 D, 1 Goalie
Forwards: Kucherov, Barkov, Teravainen, Seguin, Hoffman, Lindholm, Gusev, Horvat, Meier, Perron, Schwartz, Johansen, Pavelski, Buchnevich, Hischier, Granlund, Bracco
Defense: Josi, Dahlin, Letang, Gostisbehere, Ekman-Larsson, Petry, Slavin, Keith, Matheson
Goal: Lehner, Holtby, Varlamov
Farm: Soderstrom, York, Woo, Tracey, Dorofeyev