MARKETING DREW

As I drove home yesterday, I listened to Gary Bettman announce that the NHL Winter Classic will be played at Heinz Field between, who else, the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. That is two out of the last four featuring the Penguins’, Sidney Crosby. That is the league once again showcasing Crosby v. Ovechkin. Since he entered the league, we have heard about Sidney Crosby as if he is the NHL’s marketing face without rival. In the past two seasons, we have seen the strides of one Alexander Ovechkin.

It’s time for a third.

Drew brings everything that should wet the pallet of the NHL’s marketing department. He’s young, charismatic, clean cut, a generational talent, articulate, good looking & possesses that “it” factor one cannot teach or fake. More than any other player in his age bracket, Drew Doughty is the complete package and if the league intends to put its money where Bettman’s mouth has been, then it’s time to make Drew the west coast’s answer to Crosby and Ovechkin.