Forslund contract negotiations

[Navin R Slavin]

If this comes to truly pass, it really wasn't that hard to see coming. This ownership and front office have consistently put a price on things, poked at pressure points, and isn't afraid to move on or walk away if they don't get their way. We've seen this tactic to varying ends with broadcasters, front office personnel, players, AHL affiliate, and on and on. It's interesting to see that broadcaster is the one where so many are drawing a line. Again, none of this is to say I don't value Forslund or want him to leave or that they won't work things out. I just think if you're a fan of this team, there's not as much room for emotional attachment with this regime, cause they don't seem to have it or value it.

John Forslund has been the primary voice and face of this franchise for its 23 years. The only thing that made the loss of Chuck Kaiton acceptable was the knowledge that Forslund would be the radio voice as well.

On ice performance is a zero sum game. Success is measured by wins and losses, and there's a salary cap, so there's tough choices to be made always. So long as Dundon spends mostly to the cap, I'm at peace with whatever team favorite comes or goes. Even Brind'Amour's time will come.

But it's an entertainment business, and part of the cost of business is to entertain. Sports is tribal entertainment, and broadcasters tell the story of the tribe. That's why they matter. The great broadcasters are part of the fabric of the team.

Forslund is our Red Barber. Nothing less. He's the best hockey announcer there is. Literally the only reason to let him leave is money, and Dundon is a billionaire. If he can't find a way to get it done, then he doesn't care about what I care about, and he doesn't need my few thousand bucks a year.

You need emotional attachments to a team. Take away enough attachment points, and what is left?

 

[hblueridgegal]

Aho’s back in Raleigh. I still thing the season is cucked, but it’s cool.

And the he’s ready to be traded chirps have already started now that he can be.

The brand rep and promise of this team continues to create a squeamish feeling. There’s always something that makes ya wince.

 

[Surrounded By Ahos]

John Forslund has been the primary voice and face of this franchise for its 23 years. The only thing that made the loss of Chuck Kaiton acceptable was the knowledge that Forslund would be the radio voice as well.

On ice performance is a zero sum game. Success is measured by wins and losses, and there's a salary cap, so there's tough choices to be made always. So long as Dundon spends mostly to the cap, I'm at peace with whatever team favorite comes or goes. Even Brind'Amour's time will come.

But it's an entertainment business, and part of the cost of business is to entertain. Sports is tribal entertainment, and broadcasters tell the story of the tribe. That's why they matter. The great broadcasters are part of the fabric of the team.

Forslund is our Red Barber. Nothing less. He's the best hockey announcer there is. Literally the only reason to let him leave is money, and Dundon is a billionaire. If he can't find a way to get it done, then he doesn't care about what I care about, and he doesn't need my few thousand bucks a year.

You need emotional attachments to a team. Take away enough attachment points, and what is left?

Yes. This. All of this. You could probably count the number of folks who have been with the franchise longer than John on one hand. Since I started watching seriously in 05-06, he and Brindy have been the only constant. We've had new players new coaches a new owner, but John has stuck around.

Hell, I'm so familiar with him I've been referring to him as John this whole time. Pay da man.

Plus, how many broadcasters around the league can do this?

 

[Canes]

At this point Forslund is a fabric of the team, franchise, organization, whatever you want to call it. It would be a shame if we lost him over a few hundred grand or whatever it is. But I have to admit, I ultimately root for the logo on the jersey. I've seen countless players, coaches, GMs, owners, etc. for multiple of my favorite teams leave and still have remained a fan. Just like a great player, a great PBP can and will leave and it really hurts for a while but ultimately my loyalty lies in the team. I hope we all can do whatever we can do to get Forslund to return, but it will ultimately all work out.

As long as we hire someone other Shaya.

 

[Chrispy]

At this point Forslund is a fabric of the team, franchise, organization, whatever you want to call it. It would be a shame if we lost him over a few hundred grand or whatever it is. But I have to admit, I ultimately root for the logo on the jersey. I've seen countless players, coaches, GMs, owners, etc. for multiple of my favorite teams leave and still have remained a fan. Just like a great player, a great PBP can and will leave and it really hurts for a while but ultimately my loyalty lies in the team. I hope we all can do whatever we can do to get Forslund to return, but it will ultimately all work out.

As long as we hire someone other Shaya.

I understand that, but when I think back about the great sports moments, I remember the call. I remember the voice.

Michaels and the Miracle on Ice
Jack Buck and Kirk Gibson
Howie Rose in the ECF in 1994
Chuck in 2006
Forslund in 2009.

As stated earlier, losing Chuck was a blow, but one that I was able to overcome/rationalize because of Forslund. Losing both of them over the course of a couple of years would be rough on the long-time fans.

And on top of that issue, you want someone who can draw in the new fans, the casual fans. Someone who makes you want to watch the next game. That's how you get people more interested in coming to the game in person and how you get them hooked.

That's where Forslund's value lies. And I don't think it's the right time to play hardball with that value.

 

[HisIceness]

I would like to take this time to point out, I still have the game on DVR where this team clinched their playoff spot last year vs the Devils. For those that may not remember, Forslund was calling the final minute of our game and the Canadiens/Capitals game that would give us the neccassary lead in standings points. He nailed it about as perfectly as you can get. He and Tripp both understood the pain we as fans went through during the dark times, and he let it all out on that one call. We may never come across a masterful piece of commentary like that again in our lives.

That's just something you can't put a price on. Again if he leaves, I get it and I can't say I didn't see it coming but the next guy coming in I'm afraid won't be able to connect w/ us the fans like Forslund and Tracy can/did. This would be one of those departures that I think would just scream "cheapskate".



The call in case anyone wanted to hear it again

 

[Canes]

I understand that, but when I think back about the great sports moments, I remember the call. I remember the voice.

Michaels and the Miracle on Ice
Jack Buck and Kirk Gibson
Howie Rose in the ECF in 1994
Chuck in 2006
Forslund in 2009.

As stated earlier, losing Chuck was a blow, but one that I was able to overcome/rationalize because of Forslund. Losing both of them over the course of a couple of years would be rough on the long-time fans.

And on top of that issue, you want someone who can draw in the new fans, the casual fans. Someone who makes you want to watch the next game. That's how you get people more interested in coming to the game in person and how you get them hooked.

That's where Forslund's value lies. And I don't think it's the right time to play hardball with that value.

I completely agree but I would lying if I said I would boycott the Canes if he's not back. Ultimately life goes on. I imagine the vast majority of Canes fans feel similar which Dundon and the Borg are no doubt using as their argument. It's unfortunate because I'd pay Forslund's salary myself if I could.

If anything, Dundon gave us warning with how he treated Francis and Kaiton beforehand, two guys I was indifferent about but have to admit are just as important to the franchise as Forslund.

It's also something Dundon will and should be criticized for if things go south. This would have ultimately been a cheap thing to keep Forslund around to buy goodwill. He has a lot less with this decision if it goes through.

 

[Highest Boss]

Canes moved to NC when I was 8 and John has been in the middle of everything my entire hockey life (my parents drove us to Greensboro cause ?). I know a lot of you are saying you didnt tune in to hear him but if we're being honest, I did. The team sucked for a decade+. What else did I have? When Bryan Allen (no offense) is leading the defense we're not watching the broadcast expecting to win games. This (to me) would be devastasting.

P.S. Tripp without John just doesn't work. And I love Tripp.

 

[Big Daddy Cane]

When RF was in charge, I longed for the days of the JR regime, in terms of availability of rumor and innuendo. Now, I long for the days of RF in that regard. I'm growing tired of the constant public negotiations. I was weary of going down that route with the players and coaches, but that's been extended to management and now broadcasters. What next? The P.A. announcer?

 

[Blueline Bomber]

I agree mostly. There’s a tipping point...and this wouldn’t be it. It would totally suck, tho.

The tipping point would be a massive fan favorite player getting traded - or more likely, Brind’Amour getting lowballed on his next contract. I can totally see that.

And that’s the thing. Chuck was one thing. A lot of people weren’t happy it happened, but it was tolerable. Losing Forslund would be pushing it. I guarantee the ratings for the games will drop (not that it affects Dundon directly, but could certainly affect the Canes next TV contract).

But as you pointed out, this could easily just be the tip of the iceberg. Losing RBA or Hamilton or whathaveyou because a literal billionaire can’t dig through his couch cushions and find the (relatively) small amount that would close the gap in negotiations? It’d take a hell of a PR spin to have the fanbase swallow that.

 

[MrazeksVengeance]

I am by all definitions a new Canes fan and I’d be mad if we lost Forslund.

Even the name sounds badass.

 

[raynman]

I would like to take this time to point out, I still have the game on DVR where this team clinched their playoff spot last year vs the Devils. For those that may not remember, Forslund was calling the final minute of our game and the Canadiens/Capitals game that would give us the neccassary lead in standings points. He nailed it about as perfectly as you can get. He and Tripp both understood the pain we as fans went through during the dark times, and he let it all out on that one call. We may never come across a masterful piece of commentary like that again in our lives.

That's just something you can't put a price on. Again if he leaves, I get it and I can't say I didn't see it coming but the next guy coming in I'm afraid won't be able to connect w/ us the fans like Forslund and Tracy can/did. This would be one of those departures that I think would just scream "cheapskate".



The call in case anyone wanted to hear it again

Friend of mine is a casual fan, that game convinced him Forslund wasn’t only the best in hockey but one of the best in the 4 major leagues.

 

[CandyCanes]

I would like to take this time to point out, I still have the game on DVR where this team clinched their playoff spot last year vs the Devils. For those that may not remember, Forslund was calling the final minute of our game and the Canadiens/Capitals game that would give us the neccassary lead in standings points. He nailed it about as perfectly as you can get. He and Tripp both understood the pain we as fans went through during the dark times, and he let it all out on that one call. We may never come across a masterful piece of commentary like that again in our lives.

That's just something you can't put a price on. Again if he leaves, I get it and I can't say I didn't see it coming but the next guy coming in I'm afraid won't be able to connect w/ us the fans like Forslund and Tracy can/did. This would be one of those departures that I think would just scream "cheapskate".



The call in case anyone wanted to hear it again

Gosh damn I’ll never get tired of that call. John is one of the best in the business, if not the best. He’s the voice of the Canes. He’s a massive part of this Hurricanes community. He’s a HUGE Caniac. I’m freaking pissed if we lose him. He will hands down be the biggest casualty from Dundon’s tenure. John Forslund is a part of the experience as a fan, I’ve watched & listened to John probably call over 1,000 Canes games in my life time, that should not change until John is ready to retire.

As crazy as it sounds, I’d seriously consider boycotting by cancelling my season tickets if they can’t find a way to bring him back. If Dundon can’t listen to the fans on this one, then they don’t need my family’s $4,500 a year.

f*** the $6 million dollar scoreboard and $2 million on ice projection system. Give me freaking John Forslund.

 

[Lempo]

He’s a HUGE Caniac.

Is this information from the usual source?

 

[Anton Dubinchuk]

It's an easy "tipping point" for me since I'm now an out of stater and go to one game per year. My email (if this happens) won't be as impactful as you season ticket holders, but I'll do it. And then I'll give the new guy a chance, since I'll still watch for Tripp. And, if the new guy is any good, maybe I'll go back.

 

[Navin R Slavin]

It's an easy "tipping point" for me since I'm now an out of stater and go to one game per year. My email (if this happens) won't be as impactful as you season ticket holders, but I'll do it. And then I'll give the new guy a chance, since I'll still watch for Tripp. And, if the new guy is any good, maybe I'll go back.

Send the email now, before it happens. Because once it happens, it's over.

 

[Anton Dubinchuk]

Send the email now, before it happens. Because once it happens, it's over.

Good idea. Is there a particular address you sent yours to? Or STH only?

 

[Navin R Slavin]

Good idea. Is there a particular address you sent yours to? Or STH only?

I have a ticket rep, so I sent the email directly to him. No response as yet.

 

[Joe McGrath]

I’m pissed. Pay that man his monies.

 

[emptyNedder]

f*** the $6 million dollar scoreboard and $2 million on ice projection system. Give me freaking John Forslund.

CC. I appreciate your points—but this is part of the problem. The scoreboard, projection system, and training facility didn't cost Dundon a penny. Taxpayers on the first two and other users on the latter. Yet most folks give Dundon credit. This is becoming the typically bad owner—community relationship. The community has emotional commitment and financial support, the owner gets the credit for taxpayer funds being used.

I have one question for the rest of the regulars here. Why doesn't Karmanos, who has a much longer relationship with Forslund, offer to meet the contract demands from his 39%?

 

[Joe McGrath]

CC. I appreciate your points—but this is part of the problem. The scoreboard, projection system, and training facility didn't cost Dundon a penny. Taxpayers on the first two and other users on the latter. Yet most folks give Dundon credit. This is becoming the typically bad owner—community relationship. The community has emotional commitment and financial support, the owner gets the credit for taxpayer funds being used.

I have one question for the rest of the regulars here. Why doesn't Karmanos, who has a much longer relationship with Forslund, offer to meet the contract demands from his 39%?

Because Karmanos doesn’t have any money and doesn’t give a rats ass.

 

[Negan4Coach]

I'll be sending my STM rep an email as well. This is an outrage. You can't let a guy like Forslund walk.

 

[Navin R Slavin]

Because Karmanos doesn’t have any money and doesn’t give a rats ass.

One presumes he has more money now that he's sold most of the team, but I doubt he's going to contradict Dundon's business decisions at this point.

 

[Joe McGrath]

One presumes he has more money now that he's sold most of the team, but I doubt he's going to contradict Dundon's business decisions at this point.

I assume most of the cash from the sale went directly to the kids who sued him for over 100 mil and other debt.

 

[2Minutes4Surging]

I would like to take this time to point out, I still have the game on DVR where this team clinched their playoff spot last year vs the Devils. For those that may not remember, Forslund was calling the final minute of our game and the Canadiens/Capitals game that would give us the neccassary lead in standings points. He nailed it about as perfectly as you can get. He and Tripp both understood the pain we as fans went through during the dark times, and he let it all out on that one call. We may never come across a masterful piece of commentary like that again in our lives.

That's just something you can't put a price on. Again if he leaves, I get it and I can't say I didn't see it coming but the next guy coming in I'm afraid won't be able to connect w/ us the fans like Forslund and Tracy can/did. This would be one of those departures that I think would just scream "cheapskate".



The call in case anyone wanted to hear it again

That's Me! 2:16

From what I gathered through the tweets and such is that the terms of the contract are most likely the biggest point of contention, not necessarily the dollar amount. With the Covid BS, I don't think Dundon wants to pay straight-up salaries to these employees but more of a per game basis. I seems fair on Dundon's side that, with so many unknowns, why pay someone who may not actually end up working any time soon.. I can obviously see John and his agent's side of the argument as well, though. He has paid his dues and is the best in the business and he should be the exception to in any case. He is irreplaceable in my eyes. We have had season tickets since the Hurricanes came to NC, so I have been watching John since the 4th grade. He is a Hurricane if you ask me. He has done more good for this organization than any other single person. He was the one bright spot during a decade of playoff misses. I remember talking with my dad during the playoff drought and having gone through so many losing seasons, he was starting to question renewing our season tickets, we mentioned that the most talented, consistent, hard working player the Canes had was Forslund. We joked about trading him for help on the ice.. LOL. He kept us entertained through the bad years and kept our spirits up. He kept us engaged with the team even when it seemed like the players, coaches and owner didn't even seem engaged. He deserves to retire with the Canes and have his name in the rafters. I hope this stuff is more superficial than some people think it is. As a huge fan who's family has spent $100k+ over 20+ years, it would make me question the organization's treatment of it's supporters if the Hurricanes dismiss arguably their biggest fan, in Forslund, over what amounts to pocket change to Dundon.