NHL discussions Feb 3, 2005

[Tinner]

With todays meetings, including the 2 big guys, is there any hoppe that a settlement can be accomplished?

I say this season is toast and unless there is a real genuine attempt to get something done before September, I see next season being all or partially wiped out.

One thing I'm a little unclear of is this little known fact.

It has been reported that there are about 700 members in the NHLPA and as of right now about 250 of them are free agents. At the end of this "season" another 300 will join them.

How or will this fact impact any discussions? Is it something the NHL is using or could use to pressure the NHLPA?

Just my random thoughts say; the more free agents, the more likely there will be guys crossing the line.

[froliker2000]

With todays meetings, including the 2 big guys, is there any hoppe that a settlement can be accomplished?

I say this season is toast and unless there is a real genuine attempt to get something done before September, I see next season being all or partially wiped out.

One thing I'm a little unclear of is this little known fact.

It has been reported that there are about 700 members in the NHLPA and as of right now about 250 of them are free agents. At the end of this "season" another 300 will join them.

How or will this fact impact any discussions? Is it something the NHL is using or could use to pressure the NHLPA?

Just my random thoughts say; the more free agents, the more likely there will be guys crossing the line.

do u think ur funny or something cause ur not theres never going to be a season

[Tipped Off]

This season is over. Won't happen. The thing is, Hockey has a grip on Canada, so once they return next year or midway through next year the fans will return. Here in the U.S. it won't happen so fast. There all ready is a tough sell to get fans to the games.

[ScottyWazz]

If the NHL season is wiped out, then you can bet that with the way the negociations have been happening, the first part of next season will be wiped out as well.

That being said, I don't think the players or the owners are stupid enough to lose 18 months of money. Sure the owners have other assets and the players have gone elsewhere for hockey, but it's not the same bank that it is in the NHL.

With the two leaders coming in, something could happen. I wouldn't think that they would meet up when they are so far apart to just say to one another, "Thanks for playing, we'll talk to you in September." I think they want something done sooner rather than later.

Is this season done?? Meaningfully, yes.

Will there be some kind of tournament or playoff format?? If they want to get the US fans back, more than likely yes. If they don't care about the US fans coming back this year, so be it.

I think the players and owners would want to get some kind of revenue (players more than the owners) than to sit on their duffs for 18 months making a fraction of what they would in the NHL over in Europe or some North American minor league.

[The_Vulk]

I don't think anything positive will come out of this latest talks (with both leaders present).

We KNEW before that last labour stopage over 10 years ago, that the system needs an overhall, in order for ALL the teams to be COMPETATIVE, and financially healthy.

The PA's players whom stole those jobs in Europe are enjoying the atmosphere, since those fans can afford to watch them play, and have one hell of a time at the games.

I'd say, most of them should just stay there.

[kelownakarl]

At this point of the lockout I dont give two craps what either side has to say. if they are greedy enough to wait this long they will be greedy enough to wipe out the season. they dont care one bit about the fans, so why should we care about them? I am happy watching the WHL live, and OHL and QMJHL and even the AHL on tv. I don't need the NHL to get my hockey fix. I live in Kelowna, home of a WHL team, 35 minutes north a BCHL team, an hour (or so) south another BCHL team. 45 minutes south a KIJHL team. Thats good enough hockey for me.

[IceMan]

What I still don't unerstand is why, with every day since September that a settlement wasn't reached, games were lost, yet the 2 sides never talk.

We're already talking about losing next season, too. Seems to me like if they talked WEEKLY instead over every 90 days, they could get a resolution sometime before summer.

Instead, they're going to cancel this season, breathe a sigh of relief that the pressure is off, and then not chat again until next September.

That's bull****, IMO. Sit down, figure it the hell out, and get playing again.

[Chipper]

I realy never thought that they would settle this fight this year. the two sides are dug in for a good long lockout. I would be very suprised if they even talk at all till next sept and probably won't see hockey till jan 2006

[Number_4]

I realy never thought that they would settle this fight this year. the two sides are dug in for a good long lockout. I would be very suprised if they even talk at all till next sept and probably won't see hockey till jan 2006

I agree, however, I do wonder why they havent bothered even talking really. And I dont mean those small meetings- that was a last ditch effort to save face and we all know it- I mean actual negotiations. IMO, the main reason that there isnt more pressure to negotiate settlements is because so many players are comfortable playing in Europe. Why bother trying to salvage a season when your playing elsewhere?

[IceMan]

At least you canadians get some hockey on TV. Down here, we have NOTHING, other than the 30-odd home games for our dub team ...