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It’s pretty clear at this point that the NHL is headed for it’s second lockout in less than a decade. Players in Quebec and Alberta have moved to have an injunction from the governments there to make their employers let them work.

It doesn’t appear that this would be a tactic that would stop a lockout across the league, but if it is an effective maneuver, players for the Flames, Oilers and Canadiens would still get paid, a fact that would certainly cause a bit of a crack in the owners’ solidarity. In the short term though, it wouldn’t solve anything.

Also in the past 24 hours, the league and the players have agreed to a waiver period through the 15th to allow veterans to play for their AHL affiliates. This is great that there is some agreement between the two sides, but the nature of the agreement is such that it suggests that both sides expect a prolonged lockout.

That sucks. I hope you have other plans this winter.

Ice Insiders Chris Berry Interactive Chris Berry Interactive