from Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly,

Do the owners realize NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr brought Major League Baseball to its knees, had the 1994 World Series cancelled, and yet rebuilt the labor force there to the most successful sports union of its kind, one that has achieved labor peace ever since?

“The league was up against rank amateurs last time,” said one person intimately familiar with the inner workings of the NHL.

“This guy is the consummate pro. Cool Hand Luke. He has no tell. A great poker face. Has buy-in from the players. And rarely dabbles in rhetoric.

“If he does, there’s a message and a purpose behind it. And the league has no idea what do with a guy like this.”

Is it too obvious to ask whether Gary Bettman and his owners underestimated Fehr’s influence over his group and resolve to see matters through, regardless of consequence?

“I don’t know, I certainly hope not,” Fehr told CSNPhilly.com when asked last week if the league had discounted his resolve.

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