I used to subject my friends, family, and colleagues to unsolicited sports law opinions. Now I share them with the internet.
What could possibly go wrong?
To Pay or Not to Pay - that is the (Ottawa Taxpayer’s next) Question: Funding the (Proposed) Lebreton Flats Arena
The Ottawa Senators’ LeBreton Flats land deal is a major step toward a long-awaited downtown arena, but big challenges remain. From environmental cleanup and Indigenous land claims to taxpayer funding battles and inflated economic projections, this post breaks down what the project could mean for Ottawa fans, taxpayers, and the city’s future.
From Asset to Agency: The Death of the Reserve Clause
Mitch Marner’s exit from the Toronto Maple Leafs isn’t just a trade story - it’s a game-changer. Dive into the history of the NHL’s reserve clause, landmark legal battles, and the rise of free agency that flipped the power from owners to players. This post breaks down how today’s hockey stars are taking control of their careers, driving up salaries, and rewriting the rules of the game.
“My Contract, By Any Other Name, Would Still Suck” - Luongo, Probably: Understanding NHL Player Contracts
Curious how NHL player contracts actually work? This comprehensive guide breaks down the structure of Standard Player Contracts (SPCs), entry-level deals, free agency rules, salary cap implications, and trade protection clauses like no-move and no-trade agreements. Featuring real-world examples - including Roberto Luongo’s infamous “my contract sucks” moment - this article offers fans, agents, and aspiring sports lawyers a clear look into the legal and business side of professional hockey.
“Not Guilty” Isn’t Innocent: Why the NHL Got it Right
In the wake of the “not guilty” verdicts in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, this article explores why the NHL’s decision to keep the players ineligible - for now - is not just justified, but necessary. From legal misconceptions around acquittal to the Commissioner’s responsibility under Article 18-A of the CBA, we examine how integrity, accountability, and public trust must guide the league’s next steps.
No Toy, No Choice: Why the NHL Draft Isn’t Always a “Happy Meal”
What happens when a top hockey talent gets drafted into the wrong system? Think Le Cordon Bleu chef, meet Alaskan McDonald’s. This article breaks down the NHL Draft's legal roots - and its implications for player freedom.
From Hits to Handcuffs: When Sports Violence Becomes Criminal
Hard hits are part of hockey — but some land you in court, not the penalty box. This piece explores when a bodycheck becomes a criminal charge.
Jock Taxes Generate Dollars, but make no “Cents”
Jock taxes unfairly target pro athletes, violate constitutional principles, and cost more than they’re worth. It’s time to bench them.
From the Dub to the Dorms: Gavin McKenna’s Bold NCAA Bet
Skipping the CHL spotlight, Gavin McKenna is betting on books and breakaways - choosing the NCAA route for next season. Let’s break down the bold move by one of hockey’s brightest young stars, and what it could mean for the future of Canadian prospects.
“Show Me the Money” - the (2019) Auston Matthews Contract
Auston Matthews didn’t just score on the ice - he and his agent scored a financial and legal triumph off it. This deep dive unpacks how Matthews’ second NHL contract became a textbook example of elite sports negotiation. From leveraging CBA nuances and tax treaties to reshaping earning power with front-loaded bonuses, this deal redefined player value and contract creativity in the salary-cap era.
“Whose Deal is it Anyway?” Evaluating the new NHL CBA
New CBA, Who Dis?
The NHL and NHLPA just pulled off the unthinkable—a drama-free deal. The extension agreement scores wins across the board: pay bumps for players, fewer off-ice headaches, better post-career support, and a promise of Olympic dreams fulfilled. Owners lock down fiscal guardrails, and fans? They get four golden years of uninterrupted puck.