The Hat Trick  

Given that the NHL teams are restricted to the Salary Cap, current economic trends may make next year finances much more difficult to budget. With reports that the Salary Cap Ceiling rising to a minimal  $.1 million dollars (which is tiny compared to the usual $6 million increase per year). Many teams are now serious reevaluating their rosters, but not to make sure they have a deep enough roster to remain competitive in the League next year, but instead to make sure they can afford the roster. $0$0$0$0Another factor that may seem entirely disconnected to the well-being of the NHL is now becoming more evident, which is  the canadian dollar. The decline in the value of the Canadian dollar can really intensify the decrease league's revenues, given that the Canadian market is a large portion of the NHL. But with new optimism that the canadian dollar may rise in value just in time for the season, it may be new hope for the league despite these bleak economic times. $0$0$0$0$0So maybe the most important factor for the 2009-2010 season may not be the players, coaches or staff, but instead the economy.$0