from John Shannon of Sportsnet,

... But if I’m Comcast, the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, why wouldn’t I want to use the power of my sports team to push cable TV or internet service? If you were Darryl Katz, aren’t you asking if there can’t be a Rexall mark on the Oilers’ copper and blue?

At the same time, the commissioner is aware that the Rangers would generate so much more than the small market Hurricanes. If a logo is to be added, it has to be done on a league-wide basis. Or does it mean that there will be two logos? (One league-wide, and the other team-specific?)

And what of selling in Canada and in the United States? More complexity, to be sure.

Hockey has become such big business. And the growing partnership with the players — or should it be the mutual desire to grow hockey-related revenue? — drives all involved in the sport to find that next stream of profits.

Believe it or not, there was a time hockey didn’t stop for TV commercials, or have sponsorship on the boards or on the ice. And now it’s up to the league, the teams and the players to justify taking that next step. Or not.

Advertising is an important part of the business of hockey. It has helped the growth of the game on every level. It is not evil. It is imperative.

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