Bird had it right yesterday. This process has been incredibly frustrating. At this point, we have to sit and dissect every word that is written or uttered by anyone, just like the NHL and NHLPA have to sit and define each word of the prospective CBA.
im·mi·nent - adj. About to occur; impending. Synonyms - approaching, close, coming, expectant, forthcoming, impending, inevitable, likely, looming, near, nearing, next, nigh, overhanging, possible, probable, to come, unavoidable.
That is a word that has been used a lot recently, as in "a deal is not imminent." When I read that, I tend to think it means it could be months away. Others read that as not likely to be done at 5:00 pm today.
So what's my point? I stand by what I wrote yesterday, that I feel Larry Brooks' articles seemed to contradict each other a little, but that could possibly be because of how one would interpret "imminent". In retrospect, I was too hard on Larry. I actually respect the guy quite a bit, as he is one of the few writers who have bothered to write original stuff rather than regurgitate AP news. I didn't agree with many of his viewpoints on the lockout, but he still gets top billing around here more often than not.
That being said, Larry starts us off today. He reports that the sides met for a long time yesterday, and have agreed to meet again today. Larry identifies some of the issues that still separate the sides, including revenues, cap administration, and how arbitration awards will be applied.
Mr. Brooks throws a second article at us today, and this is good news for Rangers fans. It seems as though Jaromir Jagr's salary will be split between the Rangers and the Capitals, and it will be applied similarly toward each team's cap. That means that after the 24% rollback that is expected to be part of the CBA, the Rangers will be on the hook for only $4.18 million dollars of Jagr's salary.
Speaking of Jagr, he underwent surgery to repair the broken finger he suffered during the World Championships.
As Larry mentioned, the NHL and NHLPA agreed to meet again today in Toronto. Both sides were refraining from commenting until after today's session. One slight twist in the proceedings was that they remained in small groups to discuss financial issues, despite initial reports that they intended on a larger gathering Thursday. That gathering will take place this afternoon.
Sportsnet is reporting that a group of investors have tabled an offer to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins. It has been speculated that if the team can't reach an agreement on a new arena in Pittsburgh, the team may relocate.
John Dellapina at the New York Daily News has a couple of articles today. First off, John puts to rest that rumor about Rudy Giuliani starting a hockey league, as it had never gained traction with the NHLPA. Secondly, John talked to Brian Leetch, who indicated that he is torn about the possibility of coming back to the Rangers.
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun takes some shots at Bob Goodenow, and says that since Bob has just about capitulated on everything he swore to fight, the only thing left is for him to do is to try and save his reputation.
I don't care what everyone says . . . I am going to be looking for some good news tonight. I will probably be disappointed, as I don't REALLY expect an announcement today, but I do expect that a deal is imminent. To me, that means something will get done much sooner rather than later. Either way, if I never hear the term "cautious optimism" again, it will be too soon.
HDH
Posted by Jim at June 03, 2005 10:52 AMeMail this entry!
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