An interesting article from the Globe and Mail discusses the NHL's economic future.  It seems that while the league and the sport have felt a rejuvenation these last few years, the upcoming years may be difficult.  The New York Islanders future depends on the approval of a new arena which will be made all the more difficult with the economy the way it is.  The Phoenix Coyotes future depends on their owner's business, Swift Transportation which is experiencing an economic downturn.  Other teams' owners like the Predators, Panthers, and Lightning are having difficulty making ends meet.  Even perennial powerhouses Detroit and New Jersey are feeling the pressure even though both are stable financially.

The future isn't all doom and gloom.  According to the article, two-thirds of the NHL are "operating comfortably within the current economic framework, including all six based in Canada."  Most GMs also believe that the salary cap will not be affected due to all the money that has been "banked" from previous years, even though attendance is down for 17 clubs.  I could go on and summarize the whole article, but I really hated doing that high school.  I do recommend you go and check out the article, it's linked above.  It provides an interesting insight into the economic future of the sport we love.