- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: The owners will say the costs of things like new scoreboards has skyrocketed over the years, which is why they want the HRR to be redefined to account for this. Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov points out that arena improvements benefit not just hockey. Cotsonika agrees and notes that this is where it gets complicated, untangling hockey related business from other businesses.
- Aaron Ward via twitter: A Canadiens player said that they expect a Quebec Labour Board ruling this week on whether teams can lockout the players. If the court rules in their favor, it would allow players to return to work/train. The player added “we’re most interested in how the organization responds.”
- Sean Fitz-Gerald via twitter: Canadiens Josh Gorges believes if there is a favorable ruling from the Quebec labour board, Canadiens players would still be paid.
- David Staples via twitter: The NHL has withdrawn their application and will not appear before the Alberta Labour Relations Board this morning. Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Bill Daly denied that the NHL abandoned their case with the Alberta Labour Relations Board.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The NHLPA are expecting 300 players to attend their meetings in New York on Wednesday and Thursday.
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs winger Joffrey Lupul said he’s made calls to Europe in case of a lockout, said he’ll be playing somewhere.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers forward Ruslan Fedotenko plans on playing in Russia if/when there is a lockout.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets captain Andrew Ladd has started looking at different playing options if there is a lockout.
“Europe is definitely an option guys are going to want to (pursue). Playing games is the biggest thing. We should find out more in the coming weeks, when we know exactly what is going on.”
“If there is a lockout, a lot of guys will be going down and it will make the (AHL) that much better. It’s not the ideal situation, but you’ve got to make the best of it and try to get better as a player.”
It’s not known yet if Alex Burmistrov would join the AHL’s St. John’s IceCaps or head to the KHL.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings Brendan Smith and Gustav Nyquist will likely head to the AHL. Cory Emmerton is looking at Switzerland, Austria or Germany. Jordin Tootoo isn’t prepared to make other plans yet. Justin Abdelkader is considering options. He’s without an NHL contract but GM Ken Holland said negotiations are ‘close.’
