A native of New Canaan, CT, John Harrison is an experienced investment banker who has managed Ernst & Young's (EY) global media and entertainment division since 2015. Beyond his professional pursuits, John Harrison enjoys watching hockey.
While there are other leagues to watch, the National Hockey League (NHL) might not start on time in 2019-20. The league had work stoppages during the 2004-05 and 2012-13 seasons and, although the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) doesn't expire until September 2022, both the NHL and NHL Players' Association have the right to terminate the labor pact in September 2019. While nothing is guaranteed, there could be a lengthy battle between both parties over issues like escrow payments, revenue, and the Olympics. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman proposed an extension of the current CBA through 2025 last year in exchange for the league allowing players to participate in the 2018 Olympics, but players rejected the deal.
A sign that players might be anticipating a lockout is in the makeup of recently-awarded contracts. Star player Connor McDavid's recent contract extension is to be almost entirely paid in signing bonuses, meaning he will receive the majority of his paycheck even if the league and NHLPA engage in a lockout. Carey Price, Jamie Benn, Victor Hedman, and other star players have also signed similar bonus-heavy contracts to protect against a potential lockout.
