Well, the proof will be in the pudding. Umm, pudding.
The NHL and the players’ association will resume talks next week in an effort to end the 78-day lockout and save the season.
After nearly three months of silence on and off the ice, the sides agreed Thursday to meet in Toronto on Dec. 9. Talks might continue into a second day, NHL spokesman Frank Brown said.
Those plans were made after players’ association executive director Bob Goodenow sent a letter to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Thursday, inviting the league back to the negotiating table. The letter also said the union was working on a new proposal.
Color me skeptical. The disagreement comes down to the Owners wanting a salary cap, and the NHLPA (National Hockey League Players Association) saying "Nyet." So far, there has been absolutely zero breathing room. No give from either side. I will be interested to hear what the NHLPA has to offer. I would have also liked to see them meet a bit earlier then the 9th. How about tommorrow or Saturday? If an agreement is reached, how quickly can the product be put on the ice? Will the players be in shape? Will the refs, arena’s, and all the supporting casts be ready?
I believe this might say it all, unfortunatly:
Hall of Famer Phil Esposito, currently a radio broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the team’s former GM, still wasn’t sure an agreement will be reached any time soon.
"I think it’s a great sign to tell you the truth, but I’m not optimistic," Esposito said. "It’s not a matter of giving in. I just don’t see these two guys doing the right thing."
