The NHL faces several logistical issues before play can begin in the wake of players and owners agreeing to a tentative CBA early yesterday morning. The NHL has reportedly sent a memo to teams "indicating no camps before Saturday (and may not open until Monday)," with a "48-game season to begin Jan. 19" (TWITTER.com, 1/6). Players will vote on a memo of understanding on the deal, but that is "not expected to be ready until tonight at the earliest." The NHLPA Exec Board must approve it, and voting is expected to take 48 hours. The NHL BOG is expected to vote this week in N.Y. (USA TODAY, 1/7). The schedule should be released Thursday or Friday "at the latest" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 1/7).
Flyers Chair Ed Snider said of the lockout, "I'm hoping that our fans understand this was something that had to be done for the strength of the league, for the strength of the Players Association. I hope they don't hold it against us and just come out and see some great hockey. If I had to guess, I think we're going to be in great shape" (AP, 1/6).
The “urge to designate a winner has already gone viral, with early returns favoring Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL as the victors over Donald Fehr and the NHLPA. … But before we start crunching numbers, it's worth noting the many reasons to say there's really no winner here” (L.A. TIMES, 1/7).
