The View From Wisconsin

There are four perspectives you can take on Bob Goodenow's resignation.

Historical Perspective: It seems like the NHLPA only changes leadership when the association is in disarray. That's not a good thing for any organization in any business. However, both times that it's happened, it happened for the better. Hopefully Saskin can keep that trend up.

Current Perspective: I believe Goodenow lost control of the PA back in February, when essentially he "blinked" when Bettman pushed the league over the edge. Eventually, you can only bluff so long. That was his downfall.

Future Perspective: Saskin may end up being more of an "advisor" to the players in the near future. It would surprise me if he's the one who actually is the lead in negotiating the next CBA (or whenever they decide to re-open things.

Long-term Perspective: Goodenow made that one critical error in his tenure as the PA's head; other than that, he did a lot of very good things for the players. Personally, I don't think he'll be thrown into the HHOF right away, but maybe within a few years, he'll end up there. And it will be deserved.