While the air of uncertainty is thick, some NY Islanders under contract have made their way back to Nassau County. Check the NY Islanders website and you will see how many are skating, informally, at the Islanders facility in Syosset.
Frans Nielsen, Matt Carkner, Michael Grabner, and Nino Niederreiter joined Boulton, Kabanov, MacDonald, Nelson, Reasoner and Sundstrom on the ice for a little fun and work out. Missing was Miro Satan who has signed in Europe. So rest easy.
Matt Martin has not returned from Canada and neither has Travis Hamonic. One hasn't returned because he is not yet under contract, and probably will not be until there is a deal with the NHLPA.
While there are some who say the two sides have met in secret, Kevin Allen of USA Today wrote that both sides Number Two negotiators will be meeting for dinner and some 'informal' discussions. This is a good thing, especially if the two main negotiators cannot see eye-to-eye. Let the the right hand men take their shot and see if they can come up with a solution, or at least edge somewhat closer.
Eklund has said that the arenas have been told they can book for 30 days past September 15th. That sounds about right.
When Marty St. Louis says that the players are ready and willing to sit out as long as they have to, we are heading for a certain lock-out. No, we will not lose the entire season, but we will lose October. Most of the clubs probably don't even see that as a problem when the October games don't always draw the most audience, with the exception of the Home Opener -- which will now probably be around Thanksgiving.
Meanwhile,, according to Kevin Allen, Injured players will be paid, NHLers can head to Europe, signing bonuses, buyouts and escrow payments will be in the mail and no one should have to worry about being moved. And we'll all sit on the couch and watch the new prime-time network TV series. Thank you.
Saturday afternoon, Michael Grabner will be cutting the ribbon at the new Pro Shop at the Cantiague Rink in Hicksville at promptly 11 am. There will be a clinic for the two youth hockey teams that play at Cantiague and then there will be a public skating session. Grabner will sign autographs and the first 150 on line will be guaranteed an autograph.
While this is a Nassau County rink, you will not need a town pass for access and there is no charge for entry and Sparky and the Ice Girls will add to the festivities.
I am hoping to be able to attend as the last time I was in Cantiague, they didn't even have enough gas to run the Zamboni. Yes, the County is hurting. Speaking of the county...
Anyone know when Ed Mangano will decide who wins the RFP to be master developer of the HUB? Anyone? Right.
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