didn't read any of the links, all speculative
IMO, there is never a hard payroll limit..... what rogers is willing to spend on player salaries would be linked to revenue predictions.... from advertising, ticket sales, merchandise, and then yes, the exchange rate gets factored in. All very volatile, probably updated weekly or monthly. Didn't AA say when he wants to do a deal, he would go to Beeston who in turn would check with the Rogers beancounters?
good news is oil (and the CDN dollar) will skyrocket once demand eclipses supply. guaranteed to happen as low margin producers like shale oil, Alberta producers, etc scale back production