NHLPA & RBC Play Hockey Charity Challenge

Hey HabsAddicts !!!

Take a look at this video, starring Canadiens' RFA defenseman, P.K. Subban. He and former minor hockey teammate, Steven Stamkos, organized the RBC Play Hockey Charity Challenge. This NHLPA catches the lighter side of both NHL Superstars.

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NHL & NHLPA ANNOUNCE FRAMEWORK FOR THE NEW CBA

NHL & NHLPA reach a tentative agreement on framework of the a new CBA, after a marathon 16 hours negotiating session , the sides announced an agreement in principle shortly after 6 am Sunday.

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CBA Update, Spengler Cup for Canada, More...

Happy New Year HabsAddicts!!!

As 2012 has come and gone, hope springs eternal in the National Hockey League CBA negotiations. After the NHL presented a comprehensive 288-page offer to the NHLPA on Saturday, both sides have been talking both on the phone and face-to-face over the past three days.

Late last night, both sides broke off talks as the NHL presented another counter-offer to the Players' Association, who they themselves submitted a proposal of their own on New Year's Eve. There doesn't seem to be very much separating the two sides. According to some insiders, both sides have agreed on the ten year term length of the next CBA. However, the two major points of contention remain the $60 Million salary cap in 2013-2014 and escrow payments in years five to ten of the agreement.

While it seems there is plenty to be optimistic about, until both sides have an agreement in principle, fans continue to wait with baited breath.

Chris Johnston of the Canadian Press provides a report on last night's negotiations.

Habs and Hockey News and Notes

- Team Canada, on the strength of a pair of goals by Ryan Smith and John Tavares respectively, cruised to their first Spengler Cup victory in five years over HC Davos 7-2.

- Team USA thrashed the Czech Republic early this morning 7-0 in quarterfinal action at the World Junior Hockey Championships, booking themselves a semi-final showdown with Team Canada. John Gaudreau led the American squad to victory, on the strength of his power play hat trick.

- Joanne Ireland of PostMedia News explores the all-world contribution to Team Canada's World Junior team by Edmonton Oilers' forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

- The Sarnia Sting, minus Alex Galchenyuk, put an end to the London Knights' 24-game winning streak, beating them in overtime 6-5. The streak was the longest is the second longest in OHL'S history, behind the 25-game winning streak set by the 1983-84 Kitchener Rangers and ahead of the 2009-10 Barrie Colts, who had their streak stopped at 22 games.

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Canada Beats Sweden In SO, Disclaimer Of Interest A Go? And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

Team Canada's Boone Jenner may face supplementary discipline
after his late hit on Swedish defenseman Jesper Pettersson.

After falling 3-2 to Finland in pre-tournament action on Thursday, Team Canada bounced back with a 2-1 shoot out win against Sweden yesterday morning.

Jonathan Drouin of the Halifax Mooseheads scored Canada's only goal in regulation tying the game in the third period. Jonathan Huberdeau of the Saint John Sea Dogs scored a beauty in the shoot out before captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Edmonton Oilers netted the winner.

Habs prospect Sebastian Collberg assisted on Sweden's goal scored by Alexander Wennberg. Collberg was impressive on many of Sweden's power plays setting up chances and showing impressive puck control with nifty stick work.

Canada will begin the tournament on Boxing Day against Germany. Wednesday's game should be used by Canada to work on their discipline. Their constant trips to the penalty box could cause the Canadians problems further in the tournament if they spend too much time on the p.k. against stronger teams in do or die situations.

As if Canada's on ice penalties aren't trouble enough, Boone Jenner may face suspension after his late hit on Jesper Pettersson left the Swedish defenseman with a dislocated shoulder and a fractured wrist.

Alex Galchenyuk, the Habs only other prospect in the tournament was also on the losing end of pre-tournament play as Finland defeated Team U.S.A. 5-1.

Habs And Hockey News

- Back on the lockout front, the players have voted in favor of filing a disclaimer of interest. The NHLPA has until January 2nd to file the disclaimer if they choose to do so.

- Patrick Kearns (@PatrickKearns) of TheFourthPeriod.com provides a fun lockout free article delivering 25 Christmas gifts to players and personnel around the NHL.

- Team U.S.A. will finalize their roster today, making three last cuts before kicking off their tournament debut against Germany on Thursday.


 (Photo by Darren Makowichuk/QMI Agency) 

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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 Games Cancellec Through Dec. 30th, Fans Don't Care, More...

Good Morning HabsAddicts!!!

As expected, the National Hockey League cancelled games through December 30th. Why not just go into the New Year, you ask? If you think about it, with NHL players spread across the globe, a perspective one week training camp (should they sign a deal), and the holiday season approaching, would the season be able to start before that? I doubt it.

I spend a lot of my time trolling Twitter, especially looking at the #NHL hash tag for interesting news and views. Aside from the annoying "All I Want For Christmas is the NHL" tweets, there are many people voicing their discontent with the current labour strife.

CBC Sports conducted a poll that shows where 55% of people voted they have lost interest in the best league in the world. If you add the other 35+% who don't think there will be a season, and the feelings of the NHL's faithful become painfully clear.

Well fans, while I understand your pain, I don't agree why you in the least. And neither does Scott Burnside of ESPN, who explains his belief that the NHL lockout will end...really.

Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

- For those of you who think that enforcers are no longer needed in the NHL, Jeff Z. Klein of the New York Times show you how Kevin Westgarth of the Los Angeles Kings brings more to the table than his fists.

- Ian Mendes of Postmedia News wonders if the elder statesmen of the NHL will suffer from a shortened season as they did in the lockout of 94-95.

- Surely you've heard the words "disclaimer of interest" in reference to options available to the NHLPA? Here is a piece from the Orlando Sentinel, originally published during the NBA lockout, that explains its application.

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NHL Talks "Cautiously Optimistic", Markov's Gordie Howe Hat Trick,More...

Good Hump Day HabsAddicts!!!

On a day where nobody was expecting any type of progress in the NHL labour negotiations, it seems that some kind of headway has been made.

Both sides were reported as being cautiously optimistic , as far as any progress in yesterday's meetings were concerned. While no details have been released about the meetings, things went so well that the NHLPA held a conference call with it's members during the dinner break.

Who was responsible for leading the charge? Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review tell us that the Pittsburgh Penguins' duo of Rob Burkle and Sidney Crosby led the way.

And for those that are curious, ESPN.com's Sarah Goldstein provides us with a list of all the players in yesterday's negotiating session. 

Players and owners are scheduled to meet again this morning at 9 AM, prior to the 11 AM NHL Board of Governors meetings. Gary Bettman is scheduled to speak to the media at 1 PM, however that may be delayed should there be further talks between the two sides.

Habs and Hockey News and Notes:

- Corey Collard of Montreal Hockey Talk was joined by Jay Ferrar, our own Kamal Panesar and JD on the latest Lockout Show to discuss the lockout as live updates came in on Twitter.

- Andrei Markov enjoyed another first in his career while playing in the KHL...A Gordie Howe hat trick!!! The Montreal Gazette's Dave Stubbs looks at this unique event for the Habs' Russian rearguard.

- Alex Kovalev is returning to the Bell Centre for the All-Star Classic. Brenda Branswell of Hockey Inside/Out explains.

- And to finish on the lighter side of things, CBC Sports posted an Associated Press report on how actor Mark Wahlberg challenged Tie Domi to a boxing match. 

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Breaking Down the 'Dogs This Week, NHL Bullying Players and The Dangers of Decertification

Good Morning HabsAddicts!!

The Hamilton Bulldogs played three games this past week. They split two back to back games versus the St. John's IceCaps, while losing this weekend to the Lake Erie Monsters.

One positive to bring out of the two defeats was the continued progression of the Bulldogs' offense, which out shot their opponents in both loses. That however begs the question, "Why can't the Bulldogs effectively transition from offense to defense?" Only Sylvain Lefebvre and his coaching staff can answer that.


Habs and Hockey Notes:

- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com gets Ray Whitney's take on the NHL's negotiating tactics.

- Ken Campbell of the Hockey News explains the dangers posed through the decertification of the NHLPA.

- While they NHL lockout really isn't given any a reason to smile, The Montreal Gazette's Dave Stubbs decided to take a look at a problem facing Habs' forward Tomas Plekanec.

- Puck Daddy's Sean Leahy looks at LA Kings' forward Justin Williams' angle on how the NHL Lockout might actually benefit the defending Cup Champions.

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Five Habs Questions, Scott Gomez, Mike Commodore, More

Good AM hockey fans.

Unusually for a lockout Friday, we have quite a bit of Habs related content and news to share this morning.

Our Kamal Panesar looks at how the lockout might impact Scott Gomez and the rest of the team, while Sean Lloyd looks at five questions left unanswered by the lockout.

To boot, we actually even have a signing to speak of, with former NHL defenseman Mike Commodore signing a tryout with the Hamilton Bulldogs.

What do you think of that move?

Habs and Hockey News

- Roman Hamrlik and Erik Cole got into a bit of a long-distance verbal exchange over the lockout this week. Hamrlik recently expressed concern over the lingering lockout as well as the time and money lost.

- Geoff Molson spoke out about recent events this week.

- Blake Geoffrion has been cleared to return home.

- Former Habs netminder Jaroslav Halak is headed for Germany.

- Adam Proteau and Stu Hackel both look at how NHL-NHLPA talks are headed nowhere yet again. Meanwhile, TSN's Bob McKenzie contemplates the possibility of union decertification. What you say? Yeah, he explains it.

(Photo Source: Victor Decolongon/Getty Images North America)

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Top Habs Prospects?, Jaroslav Spacek Retires, NHLPA Offer, More

Good AM hockey fans.

Last night, the Hamilton Bulldogs lost 3-1 to the St. John's Ice Caps in spite of peppering the opposition net with a season-high 46 shots.

Brendan Gallagher scored the only goal for Montreal's struggling farm team.

Fortunately, although the Canadiens' lower-level professional clubs are struggling, many of their top junior prospects are thriving, including — obviously — Alex Galchenyuk and  — not so obviously — Tim Bozon.

Which leads me to this question: which prospects do you think will make the biggest impact in the next two years?

Habs and Hockey News

- Andrew Berkshire of EOTP had a weekly review of Habs prospects and players abroad a few days ago.

- Former Habs' blueliner Jaroslav Spacek has retired.

- The NHLPA is set to present an offer today. Over at ESPN, Scott Burnside looks at some of the worrying similarities between the current lockout and the 2004-05 conflict.

- At USA Today, Kevin Allen warns that both sides must start truly negotiating or risk disaster.

(Photo by Christopher Mast)

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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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Hamilton Bulldogs Weekend, CBA Discussions Resume, Impeaching Bettman, More

Good AM hockey fans.

As I've mentioned before, I enjoy writing this little column on Monday mornings. After all, there are actual scores to talk about.

The Hamilton Bulldogs played a high-scoring two game set against the rival Toronto Marlies, winning 6-3 and then losing 6-1.

The much maligned Alexander Avtsin scored in the win for his team. It was his first game this year.
Down a notch below, the Wheeling Nailers got hammered 6-1 (a lot of sixes, eh?) by the Toledo Walleye.

Interestingly — and also discouragingly — both farm teams sit at 14th in their respective conferences.

Habs and Hockey News

- HabsWorld provides an always excellent recap of the activity down in Hamitlon and Wheeling.

- As the NHL and NHLPA are set to return to the table today, Grantland's Bill Simmons contemplates impeaching Gary Bettman.

- Stu Hackel writes about the 'illusion' that team's are losing money.

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NHL Requests Break, Financial Damage, Saku Koivu, More

Happy Friday.

Or not.

It seems that the NHL has proposed that they and the NHLPA take a two-week break from negotiations.

A dumb idea if I ever heard one.

The owners will bleed fans and sponsors as this drags on. It is simply unrealistic to expect the level of forgiveness seen in 2004-05.

And the players are losing money they will never get back. As Mark Recchi pointed out earlier this week, "No matter what the system is, or has been, the players get their money. No matter what the contract, the owners always find a way to pay them more. That's why I say, get a deal and get back in there...the money's always there."

Get to the table. Get it done so we can all write about something else. Like, you know, Andrei Markov getting injured or P.K Subban being unsigned.

Habs and Hockey News

- USA Today's Kevin Allen tracks the financial damage of the current lockout while Adam Proteau wonders what kind of legacy the NHL's owners are leaving behind.

- Laura — a.k.a The Active Stick — writes about how Saku Koivu's heroic return helped make her a hockey fan for life. A story which I, and many others, can certainly relate to.

- Cam Fowler and Niklas Grossman are headed to Sweden.

(Photo by Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

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NHL and NHLPA Quiet, Mark Recchi, Andrei Markov, More

Happy Thursday Hab fans.

After a week of more promising, continuous dialogue between the NHL and NHLPA, TSN is now reporting that there is no communication nor plans to meet between the two sides.

For all the momentary moments of optimism, it increasingly looks like the 2012-13 season could be headed down the drain.

Somehow, though, I don't expect fans will be nearly as forgiving as in 2004-05 should that happen.

I know I won't be. What about you?

Habs and Hockey News

- Andrei Markov's return to the KHL will have to wait a bit longer as he is still recovering from a rib injury.

- The Hamilton Bulldogs lost their third straight game, dropping a 4-1 decision against the Rochester Americans.

- Corey Collard from Montreal Hockey Talk presents a fan's solution to the lockout.

- Mark Recchi offers some advice to the players.

- Wayne Simmonds and Chris Stewart sure have bounced around during the lockout. After signing for 30 days in the German second division, they then headed to the Czech League. But now, USA Today reports that both players are leaving their Czech team for family reasons.

- Speaking of the Czech Republic, Jason Chimera just signed a deal there. Another player who isn't holding his breath on a CBA I suppose.

- There are a few International events going on, including the Deutschland Cup which features a few former Habs on the Canadian and Slovak rosters.

(Photo Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

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Simulated NHL Seasons, Mathieu Darche, Blake Geoffrion, More

Good AM!

For those of you who view this morning column regularly enough, you probably have noticed that I have never linked to Hockey Inside/Out or ESPN's simulated hockey seasons.

Why?

Because I really don't care.

I don't check the simulated scores. I don't read articles about the topic. Personally, I have a hard time understanding why there would even be interest in these virtual campaigns.

What about you?

Habs and Hockey News

- While being interviewed on l'Antichambre, Mathieu Darche claims he still believes in a December 1st start to the NHL season.

- Also over at RDS, Bertrand Raymond has a slightly soapy piece on Blake Geoffrion, his family and his recent injury. 

- The writer's at HabsWorld pick sides in the NHL-NHLPA debate.

- Goaltender Scott Darling, who has played two games with the Wheeling Nailers this season, has been given a professional tryout with the Hamilton Bulldogs.

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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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NHL and NHLPA Meet Over Weekend, Blake Geoffrion, Hamilton Bulldogs, More

Happy Monday hockey fans!

Rough few days for the Montreal Canadiens' farm team, the Hamilton Bulldogs.

The Dogs lost their two weekend contests against the Syracuse Crunch, including a 4-1 defeat in front of an 18,000 person crowd at the Bell Centre.

On top of that, Blake Geoffrion was forced to have emergency surgery on Friday night after taking a skate blade to the head.  He is now out indefinitely

Hamilton currently sits 12th in the AHL's Western Conference and have played the fewest amount of games in the league.

Habs and Hockey News

- As always, HabsWorld's Brian LaRose recaps the week that was for the Montreal Canadiens and their farm teams.

- Eric Engels comments on his experience watching the Hamilton Bulldogs at the Bell Centre.

- Down in the ECHL, the Wheeling Nailers also lost their weekend contest against the Toledo Walleye.

- The NHL and NHLPA met on Sunday yet again, but appear still deadlocked. In the meantime, you can always read Bob McKenzie's excellent insights on the situation.

- Three teams — the Netherlands, Ukraine and Great Britain — moved on to the final stage of Ice Hockey Qualifications for the 2014 Olympics.

(Photo via the Canadian Press/TSN.ca) 

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NHL and NHLPA meet again, P.K Subban Having Fun, Gino Odjick, More

Happy Friday!

After touching on the make-whole provision, the NHL and NHLPA reportedly discussed revenue sharing as part of their ongoing, week long CBA negotiations.

Both sides are again slated to sit down today.

Adam Proteau argues that there could be reason for some"cautious optimism" as it looks like the NHL is getting serious. Heck, at this rate, we could actually have an NHL season.

After that, all the Montreal Canadiens would need to do is sign P.K Subban...

Habs and Hockey News

- Speaking of P.K Subban, Michael Traikos of the National Post has a piece on the young rearguard and how he is living with the lockout.

- Cool little piece on RDS illustrating the unlikely friendship between Gino Odjick and Pavel Bure. I used to love having Odjick as the Habs' enforcer. No one else has really filled his shoes since.

- Buffalo Sabres' forward Cody Hodgson was injured in an AHL contest.





(Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images North America)

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CBA Talks Continue, NHL Legends, AHL, ECHL, More

Happy Thurdsay hockey fans.

Another day, another round of talks between the NHL and NHLPA.

After extended sessions on both Tuesday and Wednesday, the two sides are again set to meet today.

And, as Pierre LeBrun explains, it seems this set of talks may have reached a critical point with the Make Whole provision now being discussed.

Habs and Hockey News

- Our Rosalyn Roy shares her experience when the NHL Legends visited her part of the world in Port-Aux-Basques.

- The Hamilton Bulldogs fell 0-3 last night against the Syracuse Crunch. Down a league below, the Wheeling Nailers dropped a 3-4 decision against the Reading Royals.

- Stu Hackel presents some of hockey's greatest photographs.

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NHL-NHLPA Marathon, Toronto Not a Hockey Town, NCAA, More

Good AM hockey fans!

With most eyes turned towards the U.S Presidential election, it was easy to miss that the NHL and NHLPA talked for over seven hours on Tuesday and have scheduled a follow-up session today.

A sign for optimism perhaps, but, as pointed out in this space yesterday, many have cautioned that there are still significant obstacles to an agreement.

And, with players such as Max Talbot trickling to Europe, you can't help but get the sense that an agreement is not necessarily close at hand.

What do you think?

Habs and Hockey News

- Pierre Lebrun reports on yesterday's rather secretive talks over at ESPN. In fact, Stu Hackel feels that the more "hush-hush" nature of these discussions has been helpful.

- Wow. Here is a headline sure to garner a few angry responses. "Brampton Battalion relocation proves Toronto isn't a hockey town". Hard to argue with some of Rory Boylen's arguments though.

- Did you know that there were more than 50,000 new registered hockey players in the world this year?

- HabsWorld continues its excellent prospect coverage, looking at the Habs' NCAA assets.


(Photo by the Canadian Press)

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