Article posted: 12/12/2012 5:30 AM

NHL owners pushing fans to brink of apathy

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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, right, and deputy commissioner Bill Daly speak to reporters last Thursday in New York. The NHL has rejected the players' latest offer but negotiations are expected to resume Wednesday. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Associated Press

Winnipeg Jets' Ron Hainsey, left, Anaheim Ducks' Daniel Winnik, center, and free agent Chris Campoli listen to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly last week in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Associated Press

About this Article

Just last week, NHL comedian Gary Bettman was complaining about how the number of long-term contracts has risen dramatically the last few years. Bettman reminded us that in 2004 there was only one NHL contract longer than six years, but now there are nearly 90. "The trend has gone completely in the wrong way," Bettman said, "and that has a whole host of consequences to the game and to the operation of our clubs."