If there's anything more sickening than this labor dispute, it has to be what Gary Bettman floated before the weekend; suggesting a two-week break in discussions. Call that the peak of arrogance, and if it was a strategy employed to further fracture player-resolve, it seemed to have the
opposite effect.
Apparently, discussions were had throughout the weekend, and meetings are set to take place as early as today. I think it's safe to assume the players have yet to receive their best offer, and they clearly know that.
Speaking of offers, you have to wonder what's in store for P.K. Subban when hockey finally does return. There's a moratorium on negotiations, and the urgency to get players signed once the lockout ends can't be exaggerated. Knowing that a season will have to start within 10 days of a new CBA for the league to maximize the amount of games played, that doesn't leave enough time for substantial negotiation in cases like Subban's, where it's clear there was a substantial divide between both parties before everything got shut down.
Subban will need that 10 days of training camp as much as any of his teammates. And considering he figures to be a key part of the team, the coaching staff will need him participating as soon as possible.
Does that make it more likely he'll be on a short-term deal??
Of course, you have to wonder what effect the new cba will have on Subban's earning potential.
Will Subban and the other 10 RFAs in his category get over what has to be some resentment over not coming to terms before the lockout?
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Watched the Bulldogs get spanked Saturday, 5-1 to the Marlies. They were down 4-0 after the first period. Not exactly the strongest showing for goaltender Robert Mayer.
On the positive side, if you haven't seen this beauty yet, here's 5"10-Gabriel Dumont,
calling on his inner-Tyson to cut down 6"5-Joe Colborne.
This wasn't the first time Dumont fought him.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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