Name: Canes’ unusual contract offer to broadcasters could lead to John Forslund’s exit
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Canes’ unusual contract offer to broadcasters could lead to John Forslund’s exit

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Jul 3, 2020It’s nearly impossible to imagine Hurricanes hockey without play-by-play announcer John Forslund. He’s been with the franchise since 1991, to the Carolinas with the team, and turned into a face of the franchise along the way.Not to mention, the of Forslund and color commentator Tripp Tracy has been one of the most universally lauded in the . It recently came in at .But with contract disputes last season amounting in only one-year deals for Forslund and Tracy, they’ve had to attempt to negotiate new deals in the midst of the COVID-19 health crisis and an unpredictable future for hockey.Tracy agreed to a new deal Monday — one day before both were set to become free agents. As of July 1, Forslund is a free agent. While both sides have extended contract talks through the weekend, Forslund told The Athletic Thursday that he is exploring his options, as anyone in his situation would.Multiple sources said the Hurricanes have been unwilling to budge with the terms they are offering – terms that broadcasting professionals have called “unconventional” at best and “unprecedented” at worst.While the Hurricanes are facing an unprecedented time and business outlook, the new contracts would make the formerly salaried broadcasters independent contractors with a base stipend and a bonus scale directly tied to attendance, according to a source. If the Hurricanes start 2020-21 — assuming there is a season — without fans, a source said the broadcasters are looking at a pay cut of more than half of last season’s salaries.Hurricanes GM and president Don Waddell told The Athletic Thursday that this is the model the Hurricanes are operating on in general for the time being.Many business are struggling right now and sports teams are no different — the Hurricanes — and it’s my sense that many Hurricanes employees understand this is a business where there are no home games scheduled in the near or distant future. Waddell reiterated a point many forget.This is not the first time the Hurricanes have made changes in this realm. Two years ago, Carolina did not renew the contract of longtime radio voice Chuck Kaiton.And the reality is, a lot is aligning for Forslund to move on.Considering Forslund’s rise to national prominence — namely his recurring appearances on NBC broadcasts — it’s fair to wonder if he will have a better opportunity. It’s been assumed for years that his jump to a national play-by-play role was a matter of if, not when. He could be exploring a recent vacancy in Tampa Bay, as play-by-play broadcaster Rick Peckham retired.“I want to see John stay, but if he thinks he can do better someplace else, that’s his choice,” Waddell said. “I can respect that.”(Photo: Gregg Forwerck / NHLI via Getty Images)

Jul 3, 2020It’s nearly impossible to imagine Hurricanes hockey without play-by-play announcer John Forslund. He’s been with the franchise since 1991, to the Carolinas with the team, and turned into a face of the franchise along the way.Not to mention, the of Forslund and color commentator Tripp Tracy has been one of the most universally lauded in the . It recently came in at .But with contract disputes last season amounting in only one-year deals for Forslund and Tracy, they’ve had to attempt to negotiate new deals in the midst of the COVID-19 health crisis and an unpredictable future for...

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@br_openice   @2_much_man  Sara.Civian@gmail.com.

Sara Civian

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Canes’ unusual contract offer to broadcasters could lead to John Forslund’s exit

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