from John Shannon of Sportsnet,

I honestly believe the arguments will be settled and, within seven days, the NHL and its players will sign a new collective bargaining agreement for the next decade. I fully believe that fans will eventually return, first in a trickle, then with a rush, as we play the 48-game schedule.

But for me, that's not enough.

The two sides have to keep the negotiations in the room. Even though they can't stand each other right now, they have to begin to tell the fans directly, or through the media, that the highest level of professional hockey is a fine form of entertainment and is worth the anguish of this lockout. Remember, these guys are actually negotiating to be 50-50 business partners.

Yes, partners!

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