Veteran hockey writer Al Strachan, formerly of the Toronto Sun, has a lengthy analysis of the flaws in the NHL's CBA on Fox Sports' Web site.
While I don't agree with everything he says, he makes one very cogent point about revenue sharing, which has been a sore spot for the Canes.
The idea was that the small-market teams would get some of the revenues of the large-market teams and thereby be allowed to compete. But there are flaws in that system.
For instance, in order to qualify for full revenue sharing, a team's revenue must increase faster than the league average and certain attendance levels must be met. But how can you meet those goals without spending more on players? Fans won't come to see a struggling team.
The only way to meet the revenue levels is to increase ticket prices. And that drives even more fans away. It becomes a vicious circle — or, to be more specific, a vicious downward spiral.
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 829-8947 or 
Comments
This point really hits close
Sat, 07/12/2008 - 13:32 — Robotron2084 (not verified)This point really hits close to home doesn't it?
The Canes didn't get the same revenue slice this year as they did in the previous ones and you can see exactly that they're being forced to raises prices as a direct result of the CBA rules. Anyone who thought the team was raising prices simply out of greed or not understanding the market simply didn't understand the (CBA) pressures placed on the organization.