USA Clobbers Canada, NHLPA To Vote Again on Disclaimer, More...

T.G.I.F. HabsAddicts

In their most lopsided defeat since the 1981 World Junior Hockey Championships, Team Canada lost to an inspired American team 5-1 in semi-final action early Thursday morning.

Team USA, lead by a pair of goals by Captain Jake McCabe and John Gaudreau, stifled the Canadian squad. A strong forecheck by the Americans kept Team Canada on their heels for the majority of the 1st period, leading to multiple turnovers, quality scoring chances, and an early lead.

While Twitter was ablaze with criticism of Canadian goaltender Malcolm Subban, the Bruins' prospect wasn't to blame for the early goals scored against him.

Although Subban was pulled after allowing four goals on 16 shots, the Canadian defence didn't make stopping pucks easy for the young netminder. On the first three Team USA goals, Subban could hardly see the puck, as his defensemen had a difficult time clearing his view of incoming shots.

With the loss, there a many questions floating around about the Canadian Program of Excellence, and the quality of the teams they are put together for major competitions. Canada is set to face the host team Russia early Saturday morning in the Bronze medal game. While Team Canada coach Steve Spott says, "We owe Canada a medal,", the Russians will certainly have something to say about that. Jordan Binnington will start in place of Subban in the Bronze medal game. 

Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

- With the ongoing NHL CBA negotiations at a critical stage, the NHLPA has again started the process of voting on filing a "Disclaimer of Interest". Although the players' association could have filed the disclaimer by Wednesday at midnight, Executive Director Donald Fehr chose not to, as a show of good faith in this latest round of negotiations.

However, after the league floated the idea of amending Article 50 of the previous CBA, which assessed stiff penalties to teams who attempted to mask any hockey related revenue, the union decided to once again attain the right to disclaim from its membership. The NHL has since withdrawn the amendment to Article 50.

- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com wonder whether the length of player contracts and the $60 Million salary cap that the NHL wants for 2013-2014 will be the reason the NHL season may be lost.

- After his excellent showing at this year's World Junior Hockey Championship, the Hockey News explores the possibility of Team Canada and Halifax Mooseheads' forward Jonathan Drouin being selected first overall in the next National Hockey League Entry Draft. 

(Photos courtesy: TSN.ca, Reuters)

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Survey Says?, NHL Brand Damaged, More...

Happy Hump Day, HabsAddicts!!!

There is no question that this second NHL lockout in less than ten years has damaged public perception of the league. Fans across North America are beginning to look at other types of sports entertainment to fill their hockey void.

A poll conducted between December 11th and 16th surveyed individuals from different six regions across Canada. The poll, conducted by NRG Research Group and Peak Communications, asked "Do you think the NHL lockout will be settled in the next couple of weeks; in the new year in time for a shortened season to be played; not until it's too late for games to be played this season; or don't you care?"

Any astounding 58% of people surveyed said they could care less about the NHL lockout, while 5% thought the two sides could strike a deal before the New Year. Another 8% answered that a deal could be done in early 2013, allowing enough time for a shortened 48-game season. Out of the over 800 surveyed, 25% thought that it's already too late to salvage a meaningful season. The remaining 4% either did not know about the lockout or refused to answer.

The NRG and Peak survey's numbers pale in comparison to the percentage of disgruntled fans who responded to a poll conducted online on CBC Sports. Their survey, composed of ten questions, showed an incredible 68% of the over 7000 respondents believed that the NHL season was already lost.

Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

- While NHL owners chose not to use a report by Level5 Strategy Group to gain favour in the PR battle with the NHLPA, Roy MacGregor of the Globe and Mail explains the survey's economic damage comparison between the NHL lockout and the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

- Cam Cole of Postmedia News looks at how he thinks the dissolution of the NHLPA would result in what he calls, "glorious chaos".

- Episode 10, and the final final broadcast of Montreal Hockey Talk's Lockout Shows for 2012, will drive you crazy with legal jargon and llama flatulence. Join host Corey Collard as he tries to corral Jay Ferrar, Nick Murdocco and the punctually challenged Dave Kellerman.

- The Baby Habs lost another close one last night, this time to the Peoria Rivermen by a final of 4-3 in a shootout. Brendan Gallagher scored in regulation and the shootout, while Stefan Chaput had the other two tallies for the 'Dogs.

- Finally, Dave Stubbs spoke to P.K. Subban, who was busy trash talking about the Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos' team in advance of the RBC Play Hockey Charity Challenge tonight at 7 PM in Toronto.

(Photo: Andy Clark/Reuters)

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Player Voting Options, Cleary Nervous, More...

Good Morning HabsAddicts!!!

Another day without any scheduled talks between the NHL and the Players' Association is making fans more nervous than ever. However, some details have emerged as far as voting is concerned.

There are three available voting options available to players:

1) Continue negotiating with the league

2) Sign the last offer made by the owners (10 year term, 5 year max. contracts, transition payments)

3) File Disclaimer of Interest

While players assume that the three options are viable, owners WILL NOT start negotiations again. At this venture, they have tabled their last, and best, offer to the NHLPA. Some believe that the drop-dead date, while not mentioned by the NHL, is already set for Saturday, December 22nd at Midnight.

Many still remain optimistic about the whole situation, claiming all the legalese is just posturing, as it was in the case of the NBA and NFL. However, given the acidic nature of the last two weeks, can the season really be salvaged?

Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

- As players vote, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press tells us how Dan Cleary of the Red Wings is nervous about what the outcome of the voting will be.

- TSN legal analyst Eric Macromalla explains the details of the NHL's lawsuit and what may be next for both sides.

- ESPN's Pierre LeBrun gives us his take on the state of NHL labour negotiations, and how he lays the blame on both sides in what he calls "the most illogical and incomprehensible labour dispute in the history of pro sports."

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Take It To The Judge, Un-Real Sports for Lupul, More...

Good Morning HabsAddicts!!!

Yesterday was the first day of voting for members of the NHLPA to decide on whether or not to pursue their "disclaimer of interest" filing in California court. The union requires 2/3 of its membership to agree in order to continue the process.

The question remains will the players willfully give up their rights to collective bargaining and all the protection afforded to them by the NHLPA, or will they think otherwise? I guess we'll know by Friday.

Things, however, are moving forward in the NHL's lawsuit against the union that contends they are bargaining in bad faith, and asks that the lockout be deemed legal.

Ronald Blum of the Globe and Mail uncovers the identity of the judge who will oversee the proceedings.

Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

- As much as we love to bash the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Real Sports Restaurant & Bar, located just steps from the Air Canada Centre, has started a lockout of their own. Sean Fitzgerald of the National Post gives Habs' fans another reason to smile.

- The Milwaukee Admirals beat the Hamilton Bulldogs on Sunday in a close game 4-3.

- Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times explains how Donald Fehr always puts his players first.

- Finally, in advance of this year's World Junior Hockey Championships in Ufa, Russia,Tim Wharnsby of CBC gives us the low-down on Team Canada's head coach, Steve Spott.

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NHL Governor Has Solution, Season Vs. Reputation, More...

T.G.I.F. HabsAddicts!!!

The end of another week, and still we have no resolution in sight. Today, it was Federal mediator George Cohen's turn to meet with both sides, however the results remained them same. No progress and another potential meeting on Friday.

It seems every week repast itself. Meet Tuesday and Wednesday,then blow it up on Thursday. While everyone believes that both sides are so close they can taste it, the NHL and NHLPA don't see it that way.

Well, maybe not everyone on the NHL side does. Scott Burnside of ESPN.com shares a potential solution given to him by an NHL governor, that he believes both sides can live with.

Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

- A funny, but perhaps possible, piece showed up on SI.com's FanNation that suggest that Donald Fehr may be willing to sacrifice the season to keep his reputation as the baddest man in labour negotiations. Some of the comments are pure gold!

- Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada explains why Bettman and the NHL have already won the lockout negotiations.

- Are both sides willing to let the season dies? Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province examines the possibility.

- And to end the week, Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy ask the question, "Should the NHL contract to 20 teams?"


Enjoy your weekend everyone!

(Cartoon: Nate Beeler / Columbus Dispatch)

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Still No Deal, Gorges' Style, Price Mask Auction, More...

Good Morning HabsAddicts!!!

Another day, another fruitless bargaining session.

The NHL and NHLPA met in caucus with FMCS mediator Scot Beckenbaugh in an attempt to restart the stalled Collective Bargaining negotiations. Everyone hoped this mediation session between the two sides would gain some traction in what seemed to be a situation that was completely obliterated last Thursday.

Katie Strang of ESPN provides the details on today's events.

Speaking of details, Chris Johnson of the Associated Press explains how amnesty ("Get Out of Gomez Contract") payments have become an important issue for the National Hockey League.


Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

Here are a couple of stories by the Montreal Gazette's Dave Stubbs to lighten our lockout woes:

- Josh Gorges tells Dave about his new-found, fiancé-inspired fashion sense during an appearance at RW&Co at Place Ville Marie in Montreal.

- Dave reports on the charity auction of Carey Price's Assassin's Creed masks, and tells us how Price is actually improving at playing the game.

- The Globe and Mail's Eric Duhatschek tell us how Junior phenom Nathan McKinnon is looking to fulfill the country's expectations, and become Canada's "Next One"

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NHL's "Hill To Die On", CBA Talks To Resume, More...

Happy Hump Day HabsAddicts!!!

After last Thursday's statement by NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, who said that the CBA term, player contract lengths and transition payments were "the hill the NHL would die on," WSMN decided to do some digging.

After speaking to multiple people close to the negotiations, some of the numbers the league has envisioned, as far as revenues and expenses for a shortened season are concerned, were staggering.

Take a look at this piece that I put together for Montreal Hockey Talk, where I go over those figures, and breakdown the three points in detail. It brings the NHL's position into a different perspective.

Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

- Speaking of MHT, Bobby Dollas and Dino Masanotti joined host Corey Collard and Jay Ferrar to talk about the lockout, the negotiations.

- Katie Strang of ESPN.com tells about how FMCS mediators will rejoin the CBA negotiations once more.

- Since we're talking about tomorrow negotiations, Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette give his opinion on how Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr need to go busy.

- Former Habs goaltending legend Ken Dryden writes, in the Globe and Mail, that in order to understand this latest NHL dispute, you have to follow the players' pride.

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Getting Closer?, Santa Even Thinks Leafs Suck, More...

Good Morning HabsAddicts!!!

Despite the setbacks from last week's negotiations, popular belief is that this is the week that a deal between the NHL and the Players' Association gets done.

While optimism is beginning to dwindle even among the league's most devoted fans, Craig Custance of ESPN.com tells us how a pocket of players believe a deal is imminent.

With all the talk about communication between NHLPA second-in-command Steve Fehr and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, everyone is hanging on by a thread that the season can be salvaged. Add to that the apparent calls between players and owners, and it looks like efforts are certainly being intensified.

Yet others, like CBC Sports' Tim Wharnsby, believes that, to the contrary, there are 40 days left to save the season.

Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

- On the light side of things, nothing made me laugh more this weekend than the story by the Toronto Sun's Shawn Jeffords, showing the even Santa Claus thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs suck.

- Our Sean Lloyd examines the Five Stages of Lockout Grief all hockey fans must be going through at this stage of the lockout.

- Hockey Night in Canada's own Elliotte Freidman explain what the end-game of the National Hockey League is.

- Erik Duhatschek tells us what Hockey Canada will do if a resolution is found for the NHL lockout before this year's World Junior Hockey Championships in Ufa, Russia.

- Finally, to get a better take on the NHL propaganda campaign, agent Allan Walsh shares an article by Jeff Blair that outlines how NHL owners have run out of tricks.

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NHL Labour Talks Implode, Player Reactions, More...

T.G.I.F. HabsAddicts!!!

After the last 2 1/2 days of negotiations, between the NHL and Players' Association, most people were under the impression that a deal might be eminent. While details were hard to come by, it seemed that, up until Wednesday night, the amicable nature of the talks might lead to a resolution.

Enter Thursday, when NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr submitted a proposal to a diminished NHL contingent, made up of only Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and NHL Legal Council Bob Batterman. That was the first sign of things to come.

At 6:30 PM, Fehr, with his group of players in tow, addressed the media and gave the impression that the two sides were closer than ever to a deal. He neglected to tell those in attendance and those watching at home that he made modifications to parts of the NHL's last offer that the league wasn't willing to move on. He answered a few questions, and that when the real fun began...

Katie Strang explains what happened last night in excruciating details. 

Habs And Hockey News and Notes:

- While going over every Twitter feed to show how frustrated people are is near impossible, Jordan Shifman of CBC Sports give us a glimpse at the online reaction of some NHL players.

- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, who has been the eternal optimist during these labour negotiations, vents his frustration at the lack of progress in what he feels was a mathematically fixable situation.

- With all the negativity in the air after yesterday's turn of events, the Canadian Press reports on Habs' prospect Alex Galchenyuk, who was stellar in a Sarnia Sting 3-0 win over the Saginaw Spirit.

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Owners & Players Only, Brodeur Sound Off, More...

Happy December HabsAddicts!!!

After the end of Thursday's negotiating session, Gary Bettman suggested that executives of the NHL and NHLPA recluse themselves from the next bargains session. This would allow players and owners to meet face to face for the first time in these negotiations.

While it remains to be seen who will participate from both parties, ESPN.com's Scott Burnside and Craig Custance debate the pros and cons of such a meeting.

But it begs the question, "Is this idea presented in good conscience, or is it an attempt by the owners to throw Gary Bettman under the bus?"

Habs and Hockey Notes:

- New Jersey Devils' goaltender Martin Brodeur sounds of to the Gazette's Dave Stubbs about what it's like to have to trudge on after a fourth work stoppage.

- Ryan Dadoun of NBC Sports discusses how the longer the NHL Lockout drags on, the more likely Tampa Bay superstar Steven Stamkos may be pushed to play in Europe.

- After Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Michael Russo of the Star Tribune explains how Harding turned such bad news into an inspiration for others.

(Photo: Mayes/Edmonton Journal)

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Doan wants big payday, Jets sign Enstrom, Alumni coaches, Rumours and more

Morning puck addicts!

With all the pomp and pageantry of the Olympic opening ceremonies last night (and they were quite spectacular) there is not a ton of NHL news this morning.

But little news does not mean no news!

Top on the list of interest for Habs addicts is the fact that Shane Doan apparently wants four years and $30 million if he leaves Phoenix.

Umm, how much?

If you're doing the math, that works out to $7.5 million per season. And this for a 35-year-old who is clearly on the downside of his career. Now Doan is still a useful player. Big and burly and still capable of potting you 20 goals.

But $7.5 million per over four years?

So my question to you this morning is simple. Would you still like to see Doan in a Habs uniform if it meant signing him for those kind of numbers?

Hockey News

-The Jets have extended Tobias Enstrom.

-The Sens bought out Bobby Butler.

-The NHL and NHLPA continue to negotiate a new CBA. But this time, with the league having given the final details of their proposal, the PA came back with a few issues. Namely ice conditions and training camp issues.

Nothing ground shaking but the good news is that the tone, at least publicly, from both sides seems to be rather positive. That is a marked change from the last time this happened.

Still, the PA has not yet tabled a counter-proposal of their own. When they do, the real games begin!

-If there is no lockout the Red Wings and Leafs are scheduled to play in the Winter Classic this year. As such, the two teams announced the coaches for their alumni games.

-The good folks at Habsworld.net have gotten together to discuss how to build a modern winning team.

-THN's Ken Campbell takes a look at whether or not the league would contract the Phoenix Coyotes.

-Lastly, Spector's gives him usualy rumour roundup.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

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Nash update, CBA discussions, Dominic Moore, Rumours and more

Morning puck addicts!

Wow, a whole lot of nothing going on this morning! As the temperature rises we have entered a dead period for hockey and hockey news.

Well, that is until Rick Nash finally gets traded or another team makes a trade...of ANY kind!

How do you spell dog days of summer? Patrick Sieloff. As in THN takes a look at this up and coming prospects.

Ummm, ya, thin news day indeed.

So my question to you this fine Sunday morning is as follows: When P.K. Subban does finally sign a new deal, how long will be it and for what kind of cash?

Personally, I'm thinking something along the lines of Carey Price's second contract. Say a two or three year deal ranging between $1.5 million to $2.25 million per season...preferably closer to the $1.5 million number.

What say you?

Hockey News

TSN - HOWSON SAYS JACKETS LOOKING FOR NHL-READY FORWARDS FOR NASH

HabsWorld.net - Writers Weigh In: The Habs in Free Agency

ESPN - No surprises in NHL's first offer

ESPN - NHL owners can't cry poor this time

THN - VIDEO: One-on-one with UFA Dominic Moore

THN - Prospect watch: Patrick Sieloff

Spector's Hockey - Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 15, 2012

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images North America)

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Ryan White profile, Moen signed, Brodeur goes UFA, Flames, signings and more

Morning puck addicts and happy Canada Day weekend to all of our Canadian readers!

Lots going on in the world of NHL hockey this morning. The biggest story has got to be Martin Brodeur's intention to test the free agency waters tomorrow—if he doesn't have a deal in place with the Devils by then.

Could there have been a bigger bombshell dropped?

Seriously? After so many years in the league, all with the Devils, the 40-year-old, who maybe has a year or so left, is ready to go to another team?

Strange, to be sure, but totally within his rights. I mean, it's not like he owes the Devils anything.

In Habs news, our own Sean Lloyd has started a series of player profiles, beginning with Ryan White.

Good reading to be sure!

Also, GM Marc Bergevin continued to round things into form, signing 30-year-old rugged winger Travis Moen to a four year pact. The deal comes with a $1.85 million cap hit.

I like this signing, even though it's a little on the expensive side. Moen brings grit, leadership and Stanley Cup winning experience to the table. He's the type of player Montreal needs more of in the bottom-six.

The Habs also rounded out their coaching staff with the addition of former Habs, Jean-Jacques Daigneault, as an assistant coach.

Yes, a former defenseman to run the D!

So my question to you this morning is as follows: IF Brodeur does go to market, which team would be the best fit for him?

Habs News

HabsAddict - Habs Offseason Player Profile: Ryan White

RDS - CH : J.-J. Daigneault entraîneur adjoint

Habsworld.net - Travis Moen re-signs for 4 years

Hockey Inside/Out - Newly signed Moen true to his Saskatchewan roots

Hockey News

TSN - DEVILS' BRODEUR HIRES AGENT BRISSON; COULD TEST OPEN MARKET

TSN - FLAMES SIGN STEMPNIAK, SARICH TO TWO-YEAR DEALS

TSN - GILLIS IN NO RUSH TO TRADE LUONGO DESPITE NEW SCHNEIDER DEAL

TSN - NHL, PLAYERS' UNION OPEN LABOUR NEGOTIATIONS WITH MEETING

TSN - FLAMES SIGN C JONES TO TWO-YEAR, $1.3 MILLION CONTRACT

TSN - FLYERS NAME TERRY MURRAY HEAD COACH OF AHL PHANTOMS

TSN - BIRON, RANGERS AGREE TO TWO-YEAR DEAL WORTH $2.6 MILLION

THN - Last chance for long-term contracts

ESPN - Rumblings: Don't forget about Parenteau

ESPN - Rumblings: Where else could Brodeur play?

(Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images North America)

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