Last Ditch NHL-NHLPA Talks Fail



As discussed by Eric McErlain on Off Wing Opinion, this week's meetings between representatives from the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association produced no agreement on an abbreviated 2004-05 season--let alone a more comprehensive agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement--and no new meetings are scheduled. It appears that time has finally run out on NHL hockey this season, and there won't be any games played until at least the fall of 2005. In fact, if the two sides do not come to an agreement by that point, Slam! Sports in Canada, among other outlets, reports that the NHL would likely turn to replacement players.



Geesh, with over-expansion of teams, the quality of play in the NHL is already pretty terrible; I can't imagine there would be much fan interest in watching no-name replacement players generating an even inferior product. Then again, I don't work at an arena, or a nearby restaurant/bar whose business is largely dependent on games being played. I'd probably have a different opinion of replacement players if I did.



Regardless, even if the two sides had reached an agreement to salvage the 2004-05 season, a number of teams would have had difficulty rushing back -- the Boston Bruins, for instance, only have 11 players under contract and would quickly need to sign free agents or promote a whole lot of guys from their American Hockey League affiliate in Providence.



Well, it looks like the Bruins won't have that problem. Because there will be no hockey this season.

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