Mark Easson

21041 Articles

Cautious Optimism after last night’s talks … A GM says most owners want a deal, and that Bettman blew it

Katie Strang via twitter: The NHL and NHLPA are expected to reconvene around 9 am this morning, with the Board of Governors meeting at 11 am. TSN videos on talks from last night, here and here. Bob McKenzie via twitter:…

Mark Easson

All quiet on RNH after MRI … Ballard symptom free … Ilitch’s looking at $650 million multi-purpose complex

Eric Francis via twitter: The Oilers are saying they can't comment on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. His status for the World Junior Championship is unclear. Francis later notes that they can comment, but choose not to after his MRI. RNH's agent said…

Mark Easson

Meeting starts at 2 this afternoon … Methot says ego’s are keeping sides apart

Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Players-Owners meeting will start at 2 PM this afternoon in New York. Darren Dreger via twitter: There could be as many as 25 players in New York, with likely 10 attending the meeting. The NHL isn't…

Mark Easson

Roy expected to skate next week … Steen returns … Havlat on agent Walsh … Quincey CHL deal done

Mike Heika via twitter: Stars center Derek Roy is getting closer to being fully recovered from his shoulder injury. He is expected to skate with a Texas Stars (AHL) practice next week. Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues Alex Steen returned…

Mark Easson

WBZ reports secret meeting was held, progress made

Steve Burton of CBS Boston (WBZ-TV): Sources tell Steve Burton that a secret meeting was held yesterday with a high ranking officials from the NHL and NHLPA, and that significant progress was made. He reports that it is possible that…

Mark Easson

NHL, NHLPA meeting scheduled for tomorrow … 6 owners to attended … Ryan, Toews and maybe Crosby to attend

TSN: The NHL and NHLPA will meet tomorrow afternoon in New York. Six owners and small group of players will attend. Owners who will be there include: Jeremy Jacobs (Bos), Ronald Burkle (Pit), Mark Chipman (Win), Jeffery Vinik (TB), Murray Edwards…

Mark Easson

Edler still has back issues … RNH wants to play in WJC, having shoulder examined … Varlamov has knee injury

Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks Alex Edler's back problems flared up again in September. He had surgery on a bulging disc in January of 2011. He has been rehabbing the back, and it is progressing, but another surgery…

Mark Easson

NHL still waiting … MSG owner James Dolan willing to join talks … 3 options left of players … No CBA, no draft

Nick Kypreos via twitter: No word from the NHLPA yet, but it looks like they like idea if some new owners would get involved. Aaron Ward via twitter: You would assume that the players would hesitate to the meeting if…

Mark Easson

Players receive $10,000 … Couture leaving Switzerland … Glass off to Slovakia … Granlund returning

Aaron Ward via twitter: Each player will receive a $10,000 stipend from the NHLPA Executive Board. Kevin Kurz via twitter: Logan Couture has left his Switzerland team for "personal reason" according to his agent, John Thornton. Dan Murphy via twitter:…

Mark Easson

Answer to Bettman’s proposal should be known today … NHL may have to be careful who they pick

TSN: The NHLPA will decide today if they will accept Bettman's proposed player-owner meeting. The PA held a conference call late afternoon to go over what went on in the mediation talks, and what they will do going forward. Chris…

Mark Easson

Stamkos may look overseas … 4th paycheck missed … Henrique’s surgery “went well”

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Lightning Steven Stamkos may look to going overseas if the lockout continues. "I’d have to agree with Sid there," Stamkos said. "That was the rationale early on when I sat down with Donnie and Mark .…

Mark Easson

A owners-players meeting without NHL and NHLPA leaders proposed by Bettman

Katie Strang via twitter: Multiple sources are saying that Gary Bettman proposed to Don Fehr a meeting between only the owners and players, without the NHL and NHLPA staff present. Darren Dreger via twitter: Fehr and the PA are considering…

Mark Easson