Comments on: They’re baaaaack: Fehr, Bettman returning to talks

By: valoisvipers

valoisvipers — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:10:57 +0000

Blomfeld I love your optimism and would love to wake up to a couple of tickets under the tree on Christmas Day. Hope your Kings, err Stanley Cup Champion Kings are on tap to play the Canucks in VCR on that day.

By: capone888

capone888 — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 18:16:00 +0000

No progress was made. They are not calling them back because they are so close to a deal now. The players called back their rep because they figured out how out of place they were at a bargaining table. The article summed it up. This was a bad idea from the start. It is a mismatch. It would be like the players challenging the six owners to a game of hockey to settle their differences. Lost season.

By: mountainmantride

mountainmantride — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:56:18 +0000

You’d still pay money to watch this morons conduct business like they do. Sheep. They go on strike to slice up more of your money for themselves while you sit at home anxiously waiting to hand them more. What are you thinking? 75% discount, like that’s some kind of victory. Hand YOUR money over to these greedy idiots all you want. My money is staying right here with me.

By: mountainmantride

mountainmantride — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:51:16 +0000

The sport has already been killed.

By: blomfeld

blomfeld — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:38:53 +0000

GAME ON !!!

The latest now is that the NHL will break from tradition by starting on Christmas Day and that tickets for these games are to be “heavily” discounted by as much as 75% ! … look for “the announcement” to be made sometime during the next 24-36 hours …

By: stakex

stakex — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:07:38 +0000

I think you’re right to assume that, despite the negative vibe coming out from some, its a good thing that they are pretty much only fighting over contract and CBA length at this point. Those are not issues either side is likely to throw the season away over no matter what they say. Someone gives today.

By: shotzongoal

shotzongoal — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:05:05 +0000

Although these two were not in the room, they were very much involved in the negotiations through the many caucuses the groups called. They have to sign off on a deal. About a month ago Steve Fehr said, “One thing Bill Daly and I agree on; when the moment is right [a] deal will be done very quickly.” I think the recent sessions have shown that the moment is right for an agreement. At least hope the moment is right…

By: ducksk

ducksk — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:53:48 +0000

It’s down to peanuts. Both want a few things and both want to win a little for thier sides in the end so all can feel the fight was worth it. I think it’s a good sign, give a little, get a little. Bam. Game on. (Please)

By: stakex

stakex — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:52:59 +0000

People need to rememebr that just because they two weren’t in the room, doesn’t mean they didn’t have a lot of input over the last couple days. Them being back at the table probably doesn’t change a whole lot.

Its also worth noting that Bettman said the other day that he wants a deal done by Friday…. so there would be increased urgency from him, and perhaps from Fehr if the players feel the same way.

At the end of the day it doesn’t matter whos at the table, both sides need to get past the remaining sticking points. If they can’t do it with Bettman and Fehr in the room, they probably can’t do it at all. The progress made over the last couple days have a lot more to do with where we are in terms of days left in the season, then it did with who was actually doing the talking.

By: lostpuppysyndrome

lostpuppysyndrome — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:36:14 +0000

TSNBobMcKenzie: All I can tell you is there’s a really bizarre dynamic right now and so many mixed signals coming from both sides.

By: capesouth

capesouth — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:35:35 +0000

Maybe they are being brought back in simply bc a decision is going to be made, good or bad.

By: capesouth

capesouth — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:32:38 +0000

Things seem to be slipping again…in terms of just being positive. The fact that has occurred in step with Fehr and Bettman coming back into the picture is probably not coincidence. It is almost like, the more they are involved, the more sway the hardliners get, like Jacobs. Pure speculation on my part. Good news is that if this fails, season is over and we can stop the cycle of hope followed by disappointment.

By: raiderufan

raiderufan — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:29:05 +0000

It crazy how disheartening it feels knowing these 2 are getting back into the negotiations….it could easily be them needed to finalize a deal but it just doesn’t feel that way. It’s like they’re always the ones brought in to screw a good thing up. I really really hope not….

By: cruuuzcontrol

cruuuzcontrol — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:22:44 +0000

A request for their presence is not a bad thing, as their approval on any deal is probably required given their job titles. Likewise, a report that there’s been any kind of “setback” or talks have soured isn’t a bad thing either, at least not in the sense that any potential for a deal has disappeared. It’s all part of the process and I would assume Friday is still a realistic goal for both sides. Everyone just needs to step off the ledge and not be so focused on reading every tea leaf.

By: zuke13

zuke13 — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:22:19 +0000

Great-time to take two steps back

By: cweez2

cweez2 — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:18:56 +0000

Or…maybe it’s getting closer to crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s time.

I want to think they’re close.

By: tackledummy1505

tackledummy1505 — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:12:44 +0000

Bettman and Fehr both need to just walk away from their job before they kill a sport

By: deadrabbit79

deadrabbit79 — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:04:52 +0000

Here is more wonderful news……

@TSNBobMcKenzie: I can tell you there’s a hugely negative vibe emanating from both sides right now. Keeping this process on rails today will be challenging.

By: bmscalise

bmscalise — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:03:45 +0000

Actually – my instinct is to say just the opposite. I think that these two are back in the room because they are really close to a deal. Neither side is actually going to sign anything without their heads: it’s the endgame.

By: coreydm80

coreydm80 — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:02:46 +0000

There goes all hope

By: bensawesomeness

bensawesomeness — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:02:01 +0000

i was going to say something like ‘we’re doomed’, but the article’s right. The owners are seasoned businessmen, the players are really good at playing hockey. Definite Mismatch. Bringing these two back to the table just makes sure the players don’t get destroyed without knowing it

By: thailer35

thailer35 — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:01:53 +0000

That’s my first instinct as well. But perhaps they just need them to come in and sign some paperwork?

I dream… I dream…

By: ravenscaps48

ravenscaps48 — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:01:49 +0000

Here we go again!

By: steelhammer92

steelhammer92 — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:59:09 +0000

Lost season.