Araxen*
Guest
I understand the appeal of ESPN, and don't entirely disagree with the sentiment that the NHL should be involved with them somehow. At least, they shouldn't be in an antagonistic position the way they have been since the lockout, where it's in ESPN's best interest to ignore or demean hockey to the sports-watching public.
That said, I think the NHL is best served being the marquee attraction on a basic-cable station. FX would be the ideal in terms of market niche, but TNT does a great job with its coverage and might represent a more diverse demographic. TruTV doesn't interest me at all.
I think the best deal is a deal like what the NBA enjoys. ESPN and then another cable channel that will devote more time to the sport than ESPN will give or maybe they could do Vs and another cable channel too and have two channels that will devote a proper amount of time to the sport. ESPN I think everyone would agree wouldn't give the NHL a lot of time and may become an afterthought especially at this time of the year with NCAA basketball climaxing, MLB starting, the NBA starting to climax, and MLS will be starting soon also.