- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: The economic issues will be discussed at today’s meetings. Economic issues that need to be talked about are the division of revenue, escrow percentages, terms of contracts and expansion. Ratifying any new agreement wouldn’t take long. GMs are telling their coaches to prepare for about a week long training camp with possibility no exhibition games. The league is considering scrapping 4 weeks of games.
- Adrian Dater via Sulia: Talked with player sources about today’s meetings, it will not contain any significant new proposal from the NHLPA.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: The NHL can’t afford to miss another season.
This league cannot afford two season-long lockouts. It simply cannot. Any owner foolish enough to believe any cost is worth paying to have the ability to crush the players for good and get the CBA that finally, in their minds, makes everything right doesn’t understand the psyche of the people that buy tickets to watch this incredible sport.
I’m telling you now that there are fans who will never return if there’s no NHL this year.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: An NHL industry source said that these next meetings are “huge” in determining if there will be a season.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: More games will be cancelled this week, with the league cutting a larger chunk later this week. The owners would then be able to book replacement shows during the cancelled nights. If there is no labour deal by mid-November, the Winter Classic will likely be cancelled.
- Greg Wyshynski via twitter: According to Ansar Khan on the MvsW podcast, November 20th may be the drop-dead date for the Winter Classic.
- Chris Botta via twitter: The NHLs soft cancellation of games the first had no impact. League will go big this week.
- Spector’s Hockey via twitter: Quebec City and Seattle are building new arenas. Wonder which city gets a relocated/expansion NHL first?