from Adam Proteau of The Hockey News,
I was hopeful of a relatively fast-ish settlement, but days like yesterday bring me back to the notion I’ve leaned toward all along: that, absent utter capitulation by the PA or a significant softening of owners’ hardline stance, we’ve always been headed toward the crumbly edge of the cliff and the frightening precipice of a second fully cancelled season to have both sides show their best cards. Fear is a powerful motivator in these matters, but you can’t assemble fear like it was a piece of furniture from IKEA. Both sides undoubtedly have their own rubicons that can’t be crossed and their final drop-dead dates circled on a calendar, but it makes no sense for either to reveal that information right now.
Therefore, those still interested in this awful kabuki theatre would be well advised to settle in and stock up on Pepto-Bismol and barf bags until a deal is reached. Yes, there’s a chance negotiations pick up in the next few days and a settlement leads to the league’s return in mid-to-late December, but I’m no longer expecting anything other than additional standoffs and more public ploys, at least through the end of November and early next month.
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