Sportsnet is reporting that the NHL and the NHLPA will continue to meet for the remainder of this week. Their sources tell them that the sides are still negotiating the 'major issues'.
At this point, who knows what that means. Sportsnet also indicated that there is virtually no chance of a resolution next week.
Whatever 'major issues' the sides may still be negotiating, there are players that have indicated an idea as to what the economic landscape might be if hockey resumes next year. Several days ago, Peter Forsberg said he would like to return to the Avalanche if it could be worked out under the terms of a new CBA.
Today, John Dellapina of the Daily News writes that Rangers center Bobby Holik indicated that he would like to stay with the team for the rebuilding process, but is unsure of his future as the Rangers could possibly buy him out of his contract:
"Even with the rollback, $6.7 million is a lot of money. I'll tell you what, it's definitely a lot of money for the new environment. Of course, it was a lot of money for the old environment - it just is a lot of money."
"If it doesn't count against the cap, there are a lot of things they can do with that space."
Even though Holik indicated that there will be a cap, a rollback, and buyouts, it is not clear if he is basing it on the same rumors and speculation we are hearing, or if he has gotten some confirmation from the union.
Lance Hornsby of the Toronto Sun writes that the Maple Leafs will not be offering discounts on tickets for next year if there is a season. The Buffalo Sabres will be lowering their prices, but they were going to do that before the lockout in an attempt to draw fans to the arena. Hornsby names a few other teams that will reduce ticket prices, but points out that the Islanders will be sending out season-subscription invoices without word of a price cut. I would not be expecting one from the Rangers either, other than the reduction Jim Dolan promised as a result of failing to make the playoffs for a seventh straight year.
The St. Louis Blues have inked head coach Mike Kitchen to a one year extension for the 2005-2006 season.
Spector gets back in business with some player movement rumors. He mentions that the Rangers might be better off not bringing Brian Leetch back to New York.
WHAT THE HECK??!?? As I am updating this page, I am reading Spector's article on Foxsports, and there is a link for an NHL video on the right side of the page titled "Roenick talks new deal". The quote is from Jeremy Roenick from the Mario Lemieux Celebrity Golf tournament. I transcribed the quote, as I am not sure how to link directly to the video.
JR on a new deal: "We've agreed to some kind of a deal that will probably be announced in the next couple of weeks. I know it's a terrible deal for the players, a great deal for the owners. But when you have sat out a year and hurt hockey the way we have, it really doesn't matter who wins or loses, it's about getting back on the ice."
Wow. I am sure we will be hearing more on this soon.
HDH
Posted by Jim at June 23, 2005 12:34 PMeMail this entry!
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