Not that I was going to post names or locations anyway, but for the sake of keeping everyone out of trouble and encouraging new information to continually be funneled my way, I held off on posting this until today because I was kindly asked to by my source (you’re welcome).
By now, I think everyone realizes how much is happening and being kept behind closed doors, when it comes to the dealings of this lockout. I don’t think the players’ videos to the fans was well-received by the owners since it basically implied the lockout is solely the owners’ faults. It may sound a little dramatic on my part to describe it like that, but the players never state a single time how they want, beyond just a fair deal, more money (which some certainly do) and that they aren’t happy with the salary cap. So without further or do, here are my tidbits of information I was told on Monday, one of which I’m sure all fans will love to hear.
Both of these pieces came out of a board/staff meeting from an NHL organization. These quotes came directly from the team’s COO.
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They are drawing up 3 new proposals, both the NHL and NHLPA, and meetings are being held, just without players until Wednesday this week. (which is today)
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They [the owners] proposed that the season will be extended if started in November, so all 82 games will be played.
So this is what I know so far. As far as the fans saying that the owners don’t care about them… if that 2nd bullet point doesn’t speak otherwise to you, there is absolutely no pleasing you. With lockouts usually being known as abridged seasons, it looks like they owners are sure willing to try to give the fans the full season they’re clamoring for. Better late than never, yes?
In that same vein, if in fact the removal of the salary cap is turning into a major issue in these negotiations, players should seriously reconsider whether they really want that. If some hockey markets are in borderline turmoil currently, wait until those markets can no longer afford to have/keep good players. Sure, the big-time hockey markets will be able to pay out and some players will be able to see serious pay increases, but the smaller hockey markets would be immediately threatened. The owners will fight against that tooth and nail and negotiations will experience a major setback. You decide who is to blame for that one.
Thank you to my eyes and ears in the room. You know who you are. Keep the information coming. I think I speak for everyone when I say, we’re all anxious to know as much as possible, as soon as possible.
