2013 Lockout

Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold is said to have "more money than God," according to the blog Hockey Wilderness. And money can buy influence. SBNation suggests that Leipold might have twisted the commissioner's arm to bring on the latest lockout. The theory goes that since during each of the last two lockouts, players' salaries decreased by nearly 20, it's possible that Leipold wanted the lockout to offset the rise in payroll for the 2013 season. Leipold has remained mum on the rumors.