With the NHL and NHLPA meeting in New York Saturday and reports circulating
about the two sides possibly reaching a deal on a new Collective Bargaining
Agreement, here's what some people around the league have been saying.
| Don Waddell/Atlanta
Thrashers GM |
| "You know, I've been the
most optimistic person through this, and I can't. In my wildest
imagination, I can't imagine playing games this year." (Atlanta
Journal-Constitution) |
| Ryan
VandenBussche/Pittsburgh Penguins Forward |
| "You can't come that close and not get a deal done. It just doesn't
make sense. The deal isn't going to get any sweeter for either side as
time goes on. Maybe salvage 20 or 25 games this year and have all summer
to pump it up for the following year. It's a no-brainer. Get it done
now." (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) |
| Mike Milbury, New York
Islanders GM |
| "Obviously, it's fantastic news. I don't know what has happened
here, but whatever's happened to try to have some resolution here is
great ... I hope what we're hearing is an indication that there's a
deal." (Newsday) |
| Tom Hicks/Dallas Stars
Owner |
| "I think all sides realize that we've got
a pretty small window to make a deal. And I'm talking even for next
year. But if they get everything done, I'm open to play now. That's up
to the players." (Dallas Morning News) |
| Ken Holland/Detroit Red
Wings GM |
| "I think anytime they're meeting it's good news. I'm hopeful. They
made a lot of progress early in the week. Hopefully, they build off that
and find a solution." (Detroit Free Press) |
| Mark Recchi/Pittsburgh
Penguins Forward |
| "Forget about saving face now; get a deal done. You're going to save
the game if you get a deal done now." (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) |
| Lou Lamoriello/New Jersey
Devils CEO and GM |
| "I think the timing has always been to get an agreement so that we
can play. Right now, it's still get an agreement, and then if we get an
agreement, then can we play? I think it's a little different than it was
before." (Newark Star-Ledger) |
| John Davidson/Former NHL
goalie & current TV analyst |
| "A lot of people felt they were awfully close to the finish line
when they didn't get there. When they were that close, and Gary left the
door open, they deserved to take one more kick at it. At least, they're
taking one more kick at it." (New York Times) |
| Jarome Iginla/Calgary
Flames Forward |
| "I think both sides took a step back the next day and realized 'we
were that close.' And I think both sides realized that for the big hit
hockey would take, maybe we needed to take another crack at it."
(Canadian Press) |
| Don Meehan/Agent |
| "I can only hope that both sides realize they owe to the game to
allow common sense to prevail." (Canadian Press) |
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