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 The NHL has since withdrawn the amendment to Article 50.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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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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Hainsey Risking Career, Habs Overseas, Alfie's Doubts And More

Good Morning Addicts!

Jets defenseman Ron Hainsy may be putting his career
in jeopardy

The more and more you look into the lockout mess it's easy to get caught up in what you think the owners are fighting for and what you think it is the players want. Looking at this mess as a whole it's easy to see what is wanted by either side as a group but it's also easy to lose track of what individuals have to lose.

When I say this I am mainly referring to the players. When an agreement is reached the owners will go back to making their millions/billions of dollars. For the most part the players will also resume collecting their hefty paycheques. For some though, it's not that simple.

Of course players who don't fall under superstar status or even the so called "middle class" will be less fortunate. Some players will be left without contracts because teams simply can't afford them due to cap restrictions. Others however may have to pay due to their stance on the current situation.
In an article put out yesterday by Elliot Friedman, it was said that Winnipeg Jets defenceman Ron Hainsey may never get another contract because of the part he's played in this lockout.

Hainsey made a claim that the owners threatened to pull a potential deal off of the table last week if union leader Donald Fehr was brought into the room. That claim was denied by NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly.

There have been rumblings since this claim that after his existing contract, Hainsey will never again play in the NHL.

While nothing has been confirmed, it seems the players need to remember that at the end of the day the owners at the other side of the table are the same people who employ them. While taking a stand is one thing, is it worth it for these players to risk their career's over an argument that may put them out of a job?

Habs And Hockey News

-  Andrew Berkshire returns with week 11 of his Habs Overseas and Prospects report.

- Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson doesn't feel a deal is close.

- Three months into the lockout NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr feels a deal can still be reached.


(Photo by Joe Bryksa / Winnipeg Free Press Archives)

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Childish Bargaining, Coach K's "What If?", Habs Prospect Pool And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

As we begin this holiday season I'm not sure what to ask for from ol' St. Nick. While the obvious request would be for the NHL to resume I feel I should be more realistic. The end of this lockout won't happen overnight - as proven by last Wednesday let alone the last three months - but a small part of me still feels a (shortened) season can be salvaged.

Since this feeling lingers inside me, what I would ask for would be some mature tactics when it comes to bargaining for a new deal.

As a daycare teacher I hear a lot of "he said he's not my friend" followed by a "no I didn't!" and plenty of "he called me stupid" which is responded to with "that's not true!". This type of behavior is expected from three and four year olds. Not from grown men who hold the fate of an entire professional sports season in their hands.

Millions of dollars have been lost. Interest in the sport is dropping. Thousands of people are out of jobs. These are the harsh realities that have come from this work stoppage. Yet the most recent talks between the two sides that have made the most progress in weeks came to a halt because of something league deputy commssioner Bill Daly may or may not have said.

In an interview with Adam Proteau of The Hockey News, NHLPA executive Mathieu Schneider says how as soon as the players mentioned bringing Donald Fehr into the room they were told that it would be a deal breaker.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period then writes that in an e-mail sent, Daly states "I know for a fact that Don's name was never mentioned".

With both sides showing stubborness and spending too much time trying to win over the fans - whatever's left of them - sympathy, can the two sides broker a deal or will the childish behaviour cost the league another season?

Habs And Hockey News

- Our own Coach K (@HabsCoachK) provides some good points in his latest "What If?" segement, exploring the possibilities that the players may have liked the NHL's latest proposal more than they've let on and an agreement may be closer than we think.

- Hockey's Future put out a top ten list of teams overall prospect pools, with the Canadiens ranked eighth.

- Here's a must see video of Alex Galchenyuk lighting the lamp in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Sagenaw Spirit. The way he moves around the ice knowing exactly where to set up before ripping it is just so encouraging for any Hab fan to watch.

(Photo from http://billrice.com/tag/arguments/)

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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 To Meet Tuesday, Winterhawks Wings Clipped, More...

Good Morning HabsAddicts!!!

It took the whole weekend, but the NHLPA decided to take Gary Bettman up on his offer to get the owners and players to meet without Bettman or Donald Fehr present.

Helene Elliott of the L.A. Times examines who might be involved in the meeting from the owners' side, and why removing the "egos" from the equation may just allow for some real progress.

Can a resolution really be found without the main players in the negotiations? We won't know for sure until late Tuesday, but the fact that Jeremy Jacobs, the owner of the Boston Bruins, will be involved isn't exactly filling my heart with that much confidence.

Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

- Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports looks at how the Portland Winterhawks were given severe sanctions for alleged illegal payment violations. Was that the truth, or was it because of shear jealousy from other WHL owners?

- The Calgary Herald's Amanda Stephenson examines the gauntlet of emotions NHL fans have had to deal with during the lockout.

- While most NHL players have contemplated going to play in Europe, Scott Burnside of ESPN.com looks at how Ryane Clowe of the San Jose Sharks has used his free time to give back at the grass roots level.

(Cartoon: Mike Spicer)

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Mediation Fails, Habs Language Woes, More...

TGIF HabsAddicts !!!!


As expected by most, the advent of U.S. Mediators in the NHL Lockout negotiations proved to be an exercise in futility. The Deputy Commissioner of the NHL Bill Daly, and NHLPA head Donald Fehr both issued individual statements.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com bring us up to speed on the 3 month stalemate, and answers the question, "Where do they go from here?"

Habs and Hockey Notes:

- Rob Elbaz of The Hockey Writers discusses how language discrimination may be at the root of the Habs' failures in recent years.

- Our own Sean Lloyd tells his story of how he was born into being a Montreal Canadiens fan.

- Puck Daddy's Sean Leahy examines Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeny Malkin's success in Metallurg of the KHL and how little he misses the NHL.

- Just to annoy hockey fans a little bit more, the L.A. Times Helene Elliott reports about the death of longtime L.A. Kings P.A. Announcer David Courtney, and how the lockout cost him his chance to announce the team's first banner raising ceremony.

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NHL Requests NHLPA Offer, P.K Subban Still Unsigned, Brian Gionta, More

Good AM hockey fans.

In a rather interesting development yesterday, the NHL outright requested that the NHLPA submit a new CBA offer.

In fact, the league asked that NHLPA dictate, in writing, its position on all of the major negotiating issues. Over in the world of eternal optimism, Hockeybuzz's Eklund feels that this will be an opportunity for the players to step up with season saving offer.

Of course, should a the season be saved, it will be quite a scramble for the Montreal Canadiens to get the still unsigned P.K Subban under contract.

If the season were to be salvaged, how would you handle the sticky Subban situation?

Habs and Hockey News

- RDS has a piece on how Brian Gionta is filling his captain's role in spite of the lockout.

- There are whispers of a crack in the owner's ranks. Stu Hackel has more on that.

- A few days after Ian White outright called Gary Bettman an idiot, Kris Versteeg has also voiced his displeasure with the upper echelons of the NHL. If you are the players, you can't have it both ways. You can't point to how well the league is doing financially and then claim it's run by idiots.

- The Hockey News' Ken Campbell supports the recently floated idea of taking a break in CBA negotiations.

(Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

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Hockey Hall of Fame, 16 D Before P.K Subban, NHL-NHLPA Issues, More

Good AM hockey fans.

As you probably all saw, four new individuals were added to the Hockey Hall of Fame this week.

Adam Oates, Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin and Pavel Bure are the latest additions to the prestigious organization.

Of course, as is often the case, pundits have already begun making their selections for the 2013 inductees, including recently retired players such as Chris Chelios and Eric Lindros.

Who would you add in 2013?

Habs and Hockey News

- Fred Poulin takes a fantastic look at the 16 — yes, 16! — blueliners chosen before P.K Subban in 2007.

- Blake Geoffrion father, Danny, talks about his son's recent injury scare.

- Ken Campbell takes a look at the oft-underappreciated Adam Oates.

- According to Steve Fehr, three outstanding issues remain before a deal can be reached between the NHL and NHLPA. Stu Hackel takes a look at the subject of contract rights. Elsewhere, Ken Campbell argues that Donald Fehr's tactics are beginning to get in the owner's heads.

- Joe Sakic and Mats Sundin say they would love to see an NHL team back in Quebec City. Personally, I'd just love to see an NHL team again at this point.

(Photo via the Canadian Press/TSN.ca) 

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CHLPA Vs. Mooseheads, Sunday Shinny Podcast, Bettman Underrated Fehr? And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

I'm going to step away from the NHL labor negotiations for the moment. We are all aware that there have been no recent developments and with no talks scheduled there is very little reason to believe there will be any significant progress in the near future.

And with that, let's talk the CHLPA. It seems there isn't enough drama in hockey right now and so the newly formed CHLPA has decided to make itself known.

With the intentions of  assuring better education programs and fair pay wages to the players, the CHLPA lead by executive director Georges Laraque has taken action against the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads.

The Mooseheads are under fire from the CHLPA due to "violations of labor, pension and employment rules". Mooseheads majority owner Bobby Smith expressed his concern over his players' own concerns but maintained that " I feel we treat our players extremely well...".

The CHLPA has stated that they prefer not to litigate and would like to bring the CHL to the bargaining table.

Habs And Hockey News

- Here's a link to this morning's Sunday Shinny with Gary Whittaker, Nick Murdocco, Amand Stein and myself where we discussed the CHLPA, Andre Harvey's 10 year suspension from coaching after assaulting a 16 year old player, Pat Hickey's fantasy league and more.

- Is it possible Gary Bettman and co. have underestimated Donald Fehr?

- Many players feel the cancellation of the November schedule is simply a scare tactic.

- Habs Eyes On The Prize continues their coverage of the Habs prospects and players overseas.

- Ryan Suter has followed new teammate Zach Parise's lead in sharing his frustration after signing a 13 year $98 million contract.

(Photo by None/Getty Images North America)

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St.Louis Angry, Coach K's "What If?", Gionta On The Lockout And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

Alas, there will be no NHL hockey in November. Just two weeks ago there was a wave of optimism after the NHL made their 50/50 offer with the potential of the season starting on November second, a full 82 game season at that.

Fast forward two weeks and yet another 191 games have been erased from the 2012-13 campaign. With the NHL all-star game and winter classic most likely to be the next games to be stricken from the season it's beginning to look like the entire season will be lost.

Hopefully I'm getting ahead of myself. I have been trying to stay as positive as possible through this whole ordeal, but there is only so long I can follow this mess with an with a hopeful attitude.

The longer this mess continues the more you have to wonder what will become of some of the players. There are some who may actually follow through with Ovechkin's threats and stay overseas when the two sides reach an agreement.

What bothers me more however is what might happen with players like Martin Brodeur, Jaromir Jagr, Teemu Selanne, Daniel Alfredsson and Martin St. Louis.

After the amazing careers the mentioned players have had over the years it would be quite a shame to see them retire due to an egotistical standoff between the two sides.

Puck Daddy had a piece focusing on St. Louis that clearly shows how frustrated and angry the older players must be feeling. St. Louis stated that with each passing day he is coming closer to finding somewhere else to play.

With a trophy case that includes an Art Ross Trophy, A Hart Trophy and a Lester B. Pearson Trophy all from the 2003-04 season, two back to back Lady Byng Trophies  (2009-10, 10-11) and a Stanley Cup win in 2004, it would be quite a shame to see him finish his career somewhere other than the NHL.

You can argue that at 37 he still has a few years in him, heck Selanne still plays at a high level and he's 109, but you have to wonder how many of these veterans will even bother coming back after being through so many labor disputes. People do tend to get bitter and cranky as they age.

Habs And Hockey News

- Coach K returns with another "What If?" this time asking, what if the NHL strikes back?

-  Dave Stubbs speaks to Habs Captain Brian Gionta about, among other things, the lockout. But not before reassuring us that the injury Andrei Markov sustained in Russia is not another knee injury. (Insert collective sigh of relief here).

- Donald Fehr released a statement regarding the cancellation of games throught December 1st.

- Kevin Allen highlights the November schedule that will not be played.

(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America)

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Habs Overseas, Labor Conflicts In Sports, Fehr Dedicated To Players And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

It is only a matter of time before these morning updates become strictly lockout related. As the stoppage in hockey continues it gets tougher to find stories that don't include the labor negotiations.

It is for this reason that I will focus the main part of this mornings news on the Habs overseas and their prospects. Andrew berkshire of Habs Eyes On The Prize has been following the play of Canadiens players overseas as well as their rising talents and has been keeping track of their progress.

With no Habs hockey to watch so far this season and their players and prospects spread out around the world and it's many leagues it's tough to keep an eye on them.

Berkshire has made that quite easy with his weekly updates by documenting their week's stats and keeping track of their season totals. While the piece makes it easy to keep up with what's going on in Habs world, it would be much simpler if they were playing together on the Habs roster.

Habs And Hockey News

- Deepak Malhotra teaches negotiation at Harvard Business School and writes an interesting piece on the labor negotiations. In his article he explains why there are so many conflicts in pro sports.

- Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period seems optimistic that we will see NHL hockey sooner rather than later.

- The New York Post's Larry Brooks is less optimistic as he claims all Bettman is interested in is shutting down the NHL.

- Here is an interesting and informative look at they type of man Donald Fehr is, and why he is the right man to be backing the players.

- Ben Eager of the Edmonton Oilers seems to be taking is frustration out on bouncers, way to go Ben. Please note the sarcasm in my typing.

(Photo by Source: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images North America)

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More Games Cancelled, Fehr's Latest Letter, Coach K's "What If?" And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

Here's a quick recap of the labor negotiations over the past week. On Tuesday, Bettman and the owners made what seemed like a groundbreaking offer at first glance to the players. A 50/50 split of revenue, no rollback, players would get paid for lost time and a November second start would salvage a full 82 game schedule.

Beautiful.

With more details emerging it became clear that the deal wasn't as great as it sounded. Perhaps just the idea of hockey returning made it sound so sweet. While there was no rollback, the players still would have to make concessions in salary and benefits. fehr was not willing to accept the deal and sent a letter to players and agents explaining why.

On Thursday the two sides met again. When the players rejected the offer they brought three of their own to the table. The first two had players accepting a gradual decrease in their share of HRR eventually meeting the 50/50 split the owners are seeking. The third proposal included an immediate 50/50 split as long as the owners were willing to honor all existing contracts.  According to Donald Fehr, the owners took 12-15 minutes before shooting down all three proposals.

This outcome had many fans begin to aim their anger and blame at the players rather than Bettman. You can't help but wonder if this was Bettman's plan when the proposal was made.

With no deal made by Friday, more games were wiped off the schedule. The league announced that all games up to November 1st have been cancelled. An optimist can take solace in the fact that less than two weeks worth of games were cancelled, but if there is no headway made by next Thursday there will more games lost.

Habs And Hockey News

- Here is Donald Fehr's latest letter to the players.

- The Bulldog's defeated the Toronto Marlies 4-1 in their home opener.

- Coach K is back with another "What If?" this time focusing on life after Bettman.

- Mark Spector of Sportsnet believes that the pressure is mounting on NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

- Shawn Horcoff of the Edmonton Oilers is not surprisingly unhappy with the whole situation.And after signing a huge 13 year $98 million dollar contract in the weeks leading up to the lockout, it's even less of a surprise that the Minnesota Wild's Zach Parise is less than impressed.

(Photo by Source: Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images North America)

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Gary Bettman and the NHL's New Offer: Resolution or Ruse?

NHL Makes Major Offer To NHLPA

Thank you Mr. Bettman, you've given me a reason to write again.

I have been trying to encourage myself to write for some time now, but never ending talk of the lockout was enough to keep me away.

The player profiles kept me going at first, but the longer the lockout lasted, the tougher it became for me to write about any player's fit on a team that may not play.

After a while the idea seemed almost as silly to me as EA simulating the season and people following it as if it were real.

I don't mean to get ahead of myself, I'm writing as if the lockout has come to an end, which it hasn't. The fact that Gary Bettman and company have offered a deal that seems almost perfect doesn't necessarily guarantee anything. Because the only reason it seems so perfect is because everybody just wants NHL hockey to return.

The Offer

While I don't have all of the details of the offer, the gist of it is a 50/50 split of hockey related revenues, four year entry level contracts, free agent eligibility at 28 years old or eight years of service and a contract limit of five years. The offer also had no rollback and was aimed at a November 2nd start.

According to Bob McKenzie (via twitter), if a deal is reached, training camp would start October 26th. McKenzie also tweeted that a new deal would need to be reached by October 25th in order to salvage an 82 game schedule.

If the cards play out this way, the NHL schedule would go on as planned starting from the November second start date with minor alterations being made throughout the year. The end date would not be April 13th as planned and the Stanley cup finals would go as late as the final week of June.

Best/Worst Case Scenario

The best case scenario is quite obvious. Fehr and the players accept the offer, the 2012-13 season is put into motion and everything is back the way it should be. Unfortunately, best case scenarios are rarely the ones that unfold.

The worst case scenario would be that Gary Bettman is simply making this offer knowing the NHLPA will reject it in order to escape his position as the villain in this mess.

The main reason why it is safe to assume that this offer will be rejected is the HRR. While a 50/50 split of the revenue looks and sounds fair, the fact that there is no change in the definition of hockey related revenue will be a problem to the PA.

The 50/50 split itself shouldn't bother the players but with things such as relocation fees and expansion fees not falling under the category of hockey related revenue, the players are missing out on a lot of money.

And expansion is certainly not a farfetched concept, especially with The Hockey News recently reporting that the NHL was looking at adding two new teams.

Is The Whole Thing A Ruse?

Regardless of whether or not the NHLPA goes for this proposal, the fact that the NHL has shown a willingness to compromise on issues such as entry level contracts and free agency eligibility is a huge step in the right direction.

That at least, is the optimist's view. I try to place myself in that category but it's hard to remain fully optimistic about a league that has become known for it's lockouts.

What truly worries me is that this whole deal truly is a way for Bettman to escape the role as the villain.

Bettman created this lockout. Bettman chose not to attempt to avoid the impending lockout until it was just around the corner. Bettman erased the start of an NHL season for the third time in his tenure as league commissioner.

This does not make for a very popular man in the eyes of hockey crazed markets.

However, if/when the NHLPA rejects this offer, how can Bettman continue to be the villain in the eyes of hockey starved fans? The twitterverse is already full of comments stating that if the players don't accept this offer then they are a bunch of greedy, overpaid crybabies.

All the negative focus will shift to Donald Fehr and the players. The pressure will be off of Gary Bettman and the owners.

Part of me believes that Bettman is up to something here. However, the other part of me is willing to accept that this lack of hockey has turned me into a crazy conspiracy theorist.

How about your thoughts? Should and will the players accept the deal? If not, how far do you think the two sides remain? Is Hockey in November a true possibility?

---
Sean is a freelance writer currently contributing to HabsAddict.com. He is also a regular blogger and frequent panelist on the Habs post game show at MontrealHockeyTalk.com You can follow Sean on Twitter

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

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NHL CBA Negotiations: NHL offers 50/50 Split to NHLPA

Exactly a month to the day that this unsightly NHL lockout started, Gary Bettman and his gang of merry owners decided to make the first meaningful proposal of this tiresome bargaining process.

Yes, I know, there have been many proposals to date. But the one made today was the first meaningful one, in that it will finally move the two sides towards negotations and away from rhetoric.

The full details of the NHL's proposal to the PA have yet to be divulged, but what is clear is that the league offered a 50/50 split of Hockey Related Revenues (HRR).

That is significant simply because 50/50 is exactly where most experts expected this thing to end up once the dust had settled.

So why the sudden movement from an ownership group who seemed as resolved and entrenched as ever?

Rustling in the leaves

Despite the outward lock-step that Bettman and the owners seem to be in, there has been a lot of rumblings lately that all was not happy in paradise.

In addition, there has been word that perhaps there is a faction of NHL owners who are tired of Bettman and want him replaced. Moreover, while some are certainly prepared to sit out another season, others are not.

All of this is, of course, is based on a few pieces that were published over the last week or so, but given the sudden change in tone from the league, perhaps there is something to these stories.

My money says that there is a portion of the NHL ownership that wants to get back to playing hockey and making money. Moreover, I think this segment probably lobbied the rest and pushed Bettman towards making an uncharacteristically amenable offer to his player's union counterparts.

If you haven't seen Bettman's press conference, go check it out on TSN.ca.

Gone is his brash arrogance. Gone is his petulance. Gone is the guy who's head shakes with disdain the moment anyone even thinks about disagreeing with him.

In his place, was a man who looked a little defeated. At least in my eyes.

But maybe I'm just reading into it.

What's next

Despite the joy erupting throughout the Twitterverse that a deal is imminent, there is still a lot of work to do. The NHLPA will surely reject the current proposal, but probably not outright.

And that's to be expected when it comes to collective bargaining. You never accept what you are offered...you always ask for more.

This is precisely why this offer is perhaps indicative of Bettman's shaky footing, coming in at exactly the number that most felt this thing would settle at, instead of higher.

When you know the other side will ask for concessions and the number you want is 50/50, wouldn't you make a proposal at, say, 52/48?

However this ends up playing out, the proposal from the league—which is contingent on playing an 82-game season starting November 2, 2012—is a starting point for true negotiations...something that we have not yet seen in this process.

My feeling is that the PA will come back with modifications, and the two sides will sit down for some lengthy sessions over the next few weeks. But, ultimately, I think that unless something comes out of the proposal that is completely obscene, the puck should be dropping on this season in early November.

And this from a guy who thought, just a week ago, that the whole season might be lost!

I will say one thing though. If the PA decides to outright reject this proposal, then I think all hope will be lost for this season and perhaps beyond.

What about you? Do you think this proposal can salvage the season?

Kamal is Senior Writer/Editor-in-Chief of HabsAddict.com, and Montreal Canadiens Blogger on Hockeybuzz.com. Kamal is also an on-air contributor on TSN 990, CJAD, and LiveSport New Zealand.

Follow Kamal on Facebook and Twitter

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

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Allan Walsh, Coach K's "What If's", Yesterday's Unexpected CBA Meeting And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

Yet another week has gone by without an end to the lockout and to make matters worse,the NHL regular season schedule has been cancelled up until October 24th.

With not much new being said on either side, it's interesting to see NHL player agent Allan Walsh cover the situation via twitter.

Walsh is quite possibly the most well known NHL player agent and has never shied away from sharing his thoughts through twitter.

Walsh stirred up some controversy in Montreal a few years back when he pointed out how much better Jaroslav Halak's numbers were than starting goaltender Carey Price. The comments made sense seeing as how Halak is one of Walsh's clients and, well, we all remember how each goalie did that year.

Yesterday Walsh tweeted " After spending most of the day on the phone, the one truth no one on the NHL side wants us to know- Bettman is losing control of his room". He went on to say that over the next few days he'll be sharing facts on which NHL owners don't support the lockout. According to Walsh Bettman is "feeling the heat from the owners" and is being told "we can't lose the season".

Whether you like him or hate him he's always an interesting follow on twitter (@walsha) and Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk wrote a piece on Walsh that is worth a read.

Habs And Hockey News

- Coach K put up an article of "What if's" over at Montrealhockeytalk.com

- Mark Ritter of The HockeyWriters wonders about the possibility of a lottery being used to determine the 2013 NHL Entry Draft

- Here is Kevin Allen of USA Today's piece on yesterday's unexpected meeting between Gary Bettman, Bill Daly and Donald and Steven Fehr

- Number 11 on the Habs Top 25 under 25 over at Habseyesontheprize.com is Russian prospect Alexander Avtsin

- ESPN3 will be streaming at least seven KHL games starting October 9th

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Dear NHLPA: Time to Wake Up

It is official.

The NHL Board of Governors have locked out the players, meaning the 2012-13 NHL season will be — at best — postponed.

Many predicted this would happen, but few actually took steps and precautions in case the premonitions became reality.

I, however, was one of them.

You see, I am a simple man who likes simple things in life.

I enjoy long walks on the beach with my loved ones, I enjoy the soft ocean breeze blowing through my window, I enjoy cold beer, pizza and Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream.

Most importantly, I love my hockey.

I am the type of person who does not mind if someone eats the last slice of pizza even though I am hungry, but you better not change that channel on game night or you my friend are going to experience a world of hurt.

So with the risk of there not being a season in 2012-13, I took steps to ensure that the contained beast does not release itself.

Sure, I could have spent some time with my wife and kids. Instead I spent countless hours, erasing my PVR of footage from my daughters' The Mickey Mouse Club House and, unknowing to my wife, erased her Glee, Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives episodes.

Was I wrong to do this? Yes I was. But it was for a good cause. It was done in order for me to PVR about 40 different games from the 2011-12 season.

You see my friends, I have plans of rejoicing watching old game tapes — which for the record I have not yet seen — while the common man is forced to cuddle up next their wife and enjoy Glee or other such programming.

While you try to come to terms with the feelings of betrayal, hatred and perpetual displeasure towards Gary Bettman, I will sit back and relax with the game.

Yet, in spite of my overzealous preparation, I still find myself outright disgusted with the NHLPA.

In short, they are a bunch of cry baby millionaire athletes who better sign a bloody CBA soon.

Before I go on, let me just point out a couple of things that I know I will be attacked on.

I know:

• That it is hard to find sympathy with the owners who cry wolf about losses and then pay Shea Weber $26 million in a calendar season. 
• That the players accepted a 24% rollback in salary and agreed to a salary cap. 
• The owners are a bunch of billionaires looking to make more money. 
• Ticket prices have increased since the 2004-05 lockout. 
• Gary Bettman is a complete douche with a napoleon complex. 
• The BOG and NHL have locked out the players three different times under the guidance of Bettman. 
• The owners keep shooting themselves in the foot with bad contracts and decisions, including keeping the Phoenix Coyotes afloat. 

Despite all of the negatives, it is the owners' right to run their businesses as they see fit and if/when things do not turn out as planned, can scrap it all and start from scratch.

In the real world, if a business does poorly or if an idea bombs, then shops are closed, employees are laid off and the world moves on.

Let’s be honest here for a second, the NHL is a freaking game. The NHLPA is not a group of individuals who are bettering society. They are not striving to feed the mouths of the hungry or finding cures for diseases.

We are talking about a bunch of millionaires playing a freaking game who ultimately want to make more money.

They do not care about the fans. They do not care about the thousands of people across North America who make a living off the NHL, or the NHL employees who just took a 20% cut in salary. All that matters at the end of the day is that their contracts are guaranteed and that they make a minimum of 10 times the average Canadian salary per year.

Why on earth should I, or any of you, side with a group of people who are simply looking to line their pockets with even more money? Especially after reading tweets like that of Paul Bissonnette who said “Fans. The players understand your frustration. But at the end of the day we are fighting for our futures, not yours. That's the reality.”

Here is a little Newsflash for you Mr. Bissonnette: the average salary of a doctor in Quebec is $168,000 a year. You on the other hand made $738,000 last season despite playing just 188 total minutes. In three hours of work you made the equivalent of just over four years of service as a doctor and somehow I am supposed to feel sympathy for your “cause”.

Granted, I understand the amount of gym and practice time put in. And I realize the amount of time and effort that players donate to charity. But to expect any knowledgeable fan to side with you for playing a game leads me to believe that your rock star lifestyle has gone to your head and that players have lost touch with reality.

The owners are the ones who take risks with buildings, expenses, employees, marketing, publicity, taxes, travel and players. When the economy suffers, it is the owners who take a hit.

The players simply play hockey, or at least that's what they are supposed to do.

Perhaps it's time you realize this.

Now we are all deprived.



---
Bryan is a Marketer by day, writer for HabsAddict.com by night and full time fan of the game. Follow me on twitter @BryanWilley78 but don't bother looking for me on Facebook, I'm just too old for that now!

(Photo by ERIC THAYER , REUTERS)

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Andrei Kostitsyn to KHL?, NHL CBA Update, Habs Management and More

Happy Friday Habs fans!

This morning it appears that former Montreal Canadiens' forward Andrei Kostitsyn is heading to the KHL. At least according to reports out of Russia, he has signed a one-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk.

I realize AK46 is one streaky player, but he is someone who can regularly deliver 20 goals, 40 points and over a 100 hits.

While lesser players continuously get opportunities to live up to their potential, it is baffling that no NHL team saw fit to take a chance on him.

In situations like this, I can't help but think the bias against Russians is clearly in play. Then again, how progressive can a league run by rich, white men actually be?

Habs and Hockey News

- Hockey Inside/Out introduces us to the Habs' new management team.

- In CBA news — which, I suspect, you are all sick and tired of — both sides are pretty much blaming the other. Gary Bettman and the owners agree on a lockout. Donald Fehr says it can be avoided and it's the owner's fault.

- ESPN.com continues its strong CBA coverage. Scott Burnside profiles Donald Fehr's role as union chief and Katie Strang looks at how the players are forming a united front.

- Elsewhere, USA Today has an insightful history of the current labor stalemate.

- The looming lockout is already impacting employees of NHL teams. For example, Montreal is imposing a four-day work week. Not the worst fate in the world I suppose. You know, unless you needed that extra day of salary to, I don't know, pay the bills.

- Famed Swedish club Djugardens was relegated to the second division last season. The IIHF's Henrik Manninen previews the team's upcoming journey back to the top division.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

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Impending Lockout, Tyler Seguin, Wayne Gretzky and More

Good AM hockey fans!

Only four more days until the CBA, negotiated by way of a lockout in 2004-05, expires and leads, presumably, to another lockout.

The general reaction from fans and media has been "I can't believe this could happen again".

From Bob McKenzie to Marc Denis, that certainly seems to be the sentiment.

Personally, I'll say what I said before, if you can't find out how to split $3.3 billion made from playing a game, you are idiots.

Okay, on to the news.

Habs and Hockey News

- A few Habs players speak out regarding the current labour situation. Reports on the subject from both RDS and Hockey Inside/Out.

- Tyler Seguin signs for six more years in Boston. The contract is worth $34.5 million, which averages out to $5.75 million per year.

- Ken Campbell argues that the NHLPA is showing unprecedented signs of unity. But, according to Donald Fehr, the players seem resigned to a lockout.

- Wayne Gretzky shares his memories on the 1987 Canada Cup.


(Photo by the Canadian Press)

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