I hold no responsibility if the CBA talks fall apart...

from Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star,

While optimism rose that a deal to save the NHL season was in sight, there are some questions regarding the logistics of getting 720 players scattered across the world to return to work.

Q. Can the two sides make a deal without Donald Fehr or Gary Bettman in the room?

A. Yes. Bettman works for the owners, Fehr works for the players, not the other way around. If they players want something, Fehr ought to follow along. Ditto the owners, who have the ability to give Bettman his marching orders.

Q. How long will it take both sides to ratify?

A. Shouldn’t take long and ratification — while an important step in labour situations involving, say, the auto industry — is more a formality in the world of sports. Bettman will recommend the deal to the board of governors, who generally rubber stamp things. (The NHL Board of Governors are very Politburo-like, with everything announced as unanimous). The players have not revealed how they would ratify, but a vote by phone or even email would probably suffice.

Q. How long will it take between the time the two sides agree on a deal and the time a first puck is dropped on the regular season?

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