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Through early February, nearly two-thirds of the way through the season, Sabres games on MSG are averaging a 6.81 rating, up 55 percent from last year. That comes despite Buffalo having an on-ice record that’s one of the worst in the Eastern Conference.
But new to the team this year is Jack Eichel, the second overall pick in last year’s NHL draft. Eichel’s addition, paired with other aggressive player acquisitions in the last year, have Sabres fans tuning in again.
The TV resurgence comes at a particularly important time for the team: The Sabres’ contract with MSG expires after the 2016-17 season. Buffalo will collect a rights fee of close to $10 million next year in addition to keeping all advertising revenue. The Sabres pay for all production costs.
http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2016/02/15/Media/NHL-RSNs.aspx
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