The Possible Line Crossing
One of the most common questions I’m asked by other hockey fans I know is “when do you think they’ll play hockey again?”
For a long time my answer was “January, 2006”. While that’s probably still my best guess, the aggressive tactics of both the league and the players association make me think that there is the possibilty of seeing NHL hockey, in some form, by this fall.
What does “in some form” mean?
- The league and union get a deal done in time. Stop laughing. Please.
- The league brings in replacements, union holds steady.
- Training camp time comes around and the league says “doors open, show up if you want to”, and a mix of mid-level NHLers and minor leaguers show up.
One of the more interesting rumors I’ve heard lately is that the league would entice players to cross the line by possibly saying “first five players back get their former contracts honored in full”. Is it legal? Technically, I’m not sure, but I am sure it would have serious legal impasse implications. It was an ear-perker either way.
Next entry: Bettman on Mike and the Mad Dog
Previous entry: Minor League Bitterness
Comments