In retrospect, the advantage of being on ESPN, even in a secondary role, was underappreciated by the NHL.

ESPN is so full of itself, brags so much about itself and constantly promotes itself that it's easy to get sick of it. But the network is, as it so pompously calls itself, "the world-wide leader."

No entity more shapes opinion of the sporting public, particularly the younger demographics, than ESPN. ...

With the NHL off of ESPN, the league has trouble getting a mention on the many arms of the all-sports network. ... Once the NHL left ESPN, it basically ceased to exist.

(Exposure on ESPN) generates interest and interest generates ratings and revenue. The NHL has hopes that Versus will grow as hockey fans find it and watch it.

That's possible but not likely. If the NHL is going to rise out of the subbasement of sports popularity, it has to find a way to get back on ESPN.

I don't by any means entirely agree with this line of thinking, but it's certainly one shared by a lot of MWC fans.