NHL Season to be "Un-cancelled"

[TigerEROS]

Check this out!!!!

Courtesy of The Hockey News (02/18 22:46:38 ET )

NHL season to be saved?

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The NHL and its players' union will meet in New York on Saturday, just three days after league commissioner Gary Bettman announced the cancellation of the 2004-05 season.

The request for a meeting was made by the league on Thursday night, and the players' association announced its acceptance in a statement Friday.

The Hockey News, quoting an anonymous player close to the negotiations, reported Friday evening that the sides have already reached an agreement in principle on a collective bargaining agreement that includes a salary cap of $45 million.

When asked by The Hockey News if it was possible a deal would not get done, the source responded, "not that I can see. I couldn't possibly imagine the idea that somebody is going to try to make a name for themselves in the last minute here."

Prior to Bettman's announcement Wednesday, the latest proposal from the NHL asked for a hard salary cap around $42 million, with a minimum cap of $32 million. The players' union was offering a $49-million cap.

In an effort to offset the union's staunch unwillingness to accept any form of cost certainty, the league's proposal also included concessions to allow for a reduction in the age limit on unrestricted free agency and a revised salary arbitration system among others.

But it was not enough, and the NHL became the first professional sports league in United States history to have an entire season wiped out due to a labor dispute.

But since Wednesday, rumors have circulated about "back channel" discussions involving both sides. The Hockey News and TSN Canada both reported that Phoenix Coyotes managing partner Wayne Gretzky and Pittsburgh Penguins chairman Mario Lemieux have been involved in those discussions.

"I believe all (that) stuff is pretty accurate," The Hockey News source said.

In all, more than 1,200 games have been eliminated so far. If the season remains halted, it will be the first time since 1919 that the Stanley Cup will not be awarded. That year, a flu epidemic caused the cancellation of the final series.


And the following news release also from The Hockey News tonight:

Season saved Saturday?

February 18, 2005

The NHL season is expected to be "un-canceled" Saturday in New York.

A player close to the talks who asked to remain anonymous told The Hockey News the two sides have agreed to a deal in principle that features a $45-million salary cap. Asked if there was any way a deal won't get done, the player said,
"not that I can see. I couldn't possibly imagine the idea that somebody is going to try to make a name for themselves in the last minute here."

Following two days of media speculation that backroom talks between players and owners were taking place in an attempt to "un-cancel" the 2004-05 season, the NHL Players' Association issued a press release Friday night confirming it would be meeting with the league in New York on Saturday. If the two sides are as close as expected, an agreement in principle could be made public tomorrow.

As first reported by The Hockey News, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux are still believed to be major players in the process. Both are reported to be in New York taking part in the talks.

"I believe all (that) stuff is pretty accurate," said the player.

A second source confirmed Lemieux traveled to New York on Friday.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman cancelled the season Wednesday with the two sides seemingly within striking distance of a settlement. Though the components of their offers had some differences, the sides agreed on the basic premise of a salary cap with luxury taxes. The union was offering a $49-million cap and the league $42.5 million.

One NHL GM told The Hockey News Bettman’s decision to cancel the season had a lot to do with history repeating itself. In other words, if NHLPA executive director Bob Goodenow thought he was going to maintain his reputation of being a successful deadline hunter, he was wrong.
Since the season was called off, there has been considerable movement among the players as well as agents and GMs to do whatever is necessary to get talks started again in an attempt to save the season.

Detroit captain Steve Yzerman told The Hockey News Thursday afternoon he believed the season could be saved.

“I don’t know if it’s necessarily tonight, tomorrow morning, Friday night or Saturday…I know the season has been cancelled, but it’s not too late to 'un-cancel' it.�

[Skidz]

I must say im sick of hearing about it but id love to see them play again

I think its going happen

[TigerEROS]

I definitely don't mind some hockey this season since the Raptors will be going down.

With Gretzky and Lemieux in the midst of the mix of all talks now, Bettman is taking orders NOT giving orders any longer!!! Time to step down Bettman!

[dvdvideo]

Don't kid yourslelf as to who will still be in charge.

Also, the raptors aren't going down, and they provide plenty of enteraining basketball, and are competative in almost every game they play.

[sfu_lifer]

Puh-lease. Just because Gretzky and Lemiux are in the mix doesn't mean Bettman is all of a sudden taking orders. They may have clout but the rest of the owners are pullng all the strings here.
I'm so sick of hearing all these rumors. I've given up on the season 3 months ago and am NOT gonna be an optimist regarding these talks anymore.

I've been jerked around too much (see Charlie Brown):

[StarStrike]

Puh-lease. Just because Gretzky and Lemiux are in the mix doesn't mean Bettman is all of a sudden taking orders. They may have clout but the rest of the owners are pullng all the strings here.
I'm so sick of hearing all these rumors. I've given up on the season 3 months ago and am NOT gonna be an optimist regarding these talks anymore.

Same here, If it happens, it happens! if it doesn't then well who cares. Life goes on and we can find better things to do.

PS. I love hockey, but the chances of actually getting a season scheduled is unlikely, but anything can happen.

[smurfy71]

The NHLPA strongly denied a Hockey News report Friday night that a deal was already in place in principle that includes a $45-million US salary cap.

"The report is absolutely false," an NHLPA spokesman said late Friday night.

That sentiment was echoed by NHL vice president Bill Daly, who told TSN it was "entirely untrue and without foundation."

From TSN

[TigerEROS]

Either way something is gonna come out from these talks today in New York. Some hockey for a change would be great for the city.

I like the Raptors too .... but they have fallen hard. They need to win 21 of their last 31 games to be a .500 team. And it is required so that they can make the playoffs. Under .500????? Pull out the Golf clubs and hit the greens. Impossible to be in the playoffs. It's another season written into the History books of the Raptors.

[Gamer101]

I miss my Leafs Dammit!

[Hibbing]

Look ofr a possible announcement at 5 today.

[postpurchasedissonance]

Don't kid yourslelf as to who will still be in charge.

"Formally" in charge perhaps, but Gretzky or Lemieux hold more of the real "power". They are both icons and Bettman is a wannabe NBA executive.

[dvdvideo]

Bettman has the executive power, Gretzky and Lemieux have only influence.

As to the raps not making the playoffs, considering how pathetic thier division is, they could win 15 of 30 games and perhaps still be in the playoffs.

[TigerEROS]

Bettman has the executive power, Gretzky and Lemieux have only influence.

As to the raps not making the playoffs, considering how pathetic thier division is, they could win 15 of 30 games and perhaps still be in the playoffs.

A possibility. Never know with the Atlantic Division. But then again, first place of each of the three divisions and then the next best five records. Right now the 76ers sit in the 8th spot with a .491 record. Raps are far away sitting in 12th. Pacers are at .490 just 1/2 game behind the 76ers. Unless the other teams falter and the Raps do extremely well, it's time to look at the Draft possibilities for the off season.

Bettman ..... USELESS. Goodenow ...... USELESS as well! Both should be fired or resign after this CBA is done up. Somebody new should come in.

2 Lockouts in Bettmans tenure????? WTF is wrong with him??? He has problems with his eye-blinking during the press conferences. He also has problems with his body as it keeps on twitching in the press conferences. He needs to see a doctor for these problems. He just looks like a ***.

[Fred Smalls]

2 Lockouts in Bettmans tenure????? WTF is wrong with him??? He has problems with his eye-blinking during the press conferences. He also has problems with his body as it keeps on twitching in the press conferences. He needs to see a doctor for these problems. He just looks like a ***.

LOL. If Hockey comes back on ill wet myself!
AHHHHHHH!!! yesssssssssssssss...............

[frogger]

Guys involved with American teams like Gretz and Lemieux know that the league not being around for a full season or more down there will do way too much damage.. It was already way down on the popularity list before the strike.