15°c Clear
28°c Isolated showers
Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
NHL players' vote called 'safety net'
Little takes part in a scrimmage of NHLers at the MTS Iceplex Thursday. (WAYNE GLOWACKI/ WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
WINNIPEG — While a second vote of NHLPA members has been called to authorize their leadership to execute a disclaimer of interest — possibly as early as Saturday — Winnipeg Jets centre Bryan Little insisted this morning it’s just a step in the overall process.
"I think it’s just kind of there as a safety net if things go bad," Little said this morning at the MTS Iceplex. "If we feel we’re just not negotiating anymore then they have the right to do that.
"I think it’s a smart move by us."
Whether it’s tactic or safety net, the possible effective dissolution of the union is part of the ever-shrinking time frame in talks that could save any version of a 2012-13 NHL season.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has dismissed any thought of less than 48 games for a regular season and to make that happen, a new labour agreement must be done by late next week.
The league wants a 48-game campaign to begin on Jan. 19 and back-dating the logistics, a deal is needed by about Jan. 11 so that rushed training camps can begin.
Little said he’s getting a bit more nervous that the deadline is one day closer.
"You never know if that’s the actual deadline or if things are really close they could push it back a bit," he said. "It’s definitely getting to that point where it’s going to be season or no season. I think everyone’s a bit on nerves.
"It seems like they’re moving at a faster pace than before. They traded proposals for three to five days. At least they’re going back and forth trying to figure this thing out."
The increased pace is present in small ways in Winnipeg, too. the Jets and other locally-based NHLers have upped their training and skating routine to six days a week.
The players have been locked out since Sept. 15.
More NHL
- Back to Top
- Return to NHL
More NHL
(1 of 50 articles for this week)
Quebec City will return to NHL fold, Great One says
1:00 AM 0
Poll
Most Popular NHL
- Bigger, faster, meaner Bruins
- Home of Senators changes name from Scotiabank Place to Canadian Tire Centre
- Nothing upsets Teflon Claude
- Datsyuk, Red Wings agree on $22.5 million, 3-year deal, keeping him under contract for 4 years
- Bruins rookie D Dougie Hamilton looks forward to next season while sitting out finals
- Right wing the right thing for Ovechkin
- Sabres owner Pegula favours keeping Miller, Vanek, though decision to stay rests with them
- What goalies say, stays between goalies
- Vancouver Canucks sign Swedish goaltender Joacim Eriksson
- Hawks coach not saying where or when Hossa was hurt, unwilling to tip hand
- Shaw, Blackhawks beat Bruins 4-3 in triple overtime in Game 1 of Cup final
- NHL Awards: Capitals star Alex Ovechkin wins Hart Trophy as league's MVP
- Bigger, faster, meaner Bruins
- Bruins overcome terrible start to even Stanley Cup final with 2-1 OT victory
- Shaw annoys Chara, scores overtime game-winner for Blackhawks in Game 1
- Hart Trophy-winner Ovechkin says broken left foot is healing well
- Maple Leafs sign tough guy Colton Orr to two-year extension
- Edmonton Oilers confirm death of prospect Kristians Pelss in Latvia
- Senators coach MacLean wins Adams award for NHL coach of the year
- Bruins get even in OT
- AP Sources: NHL approves Coyotes sale to Canadian-led group, contingent on lease with Glendale
- Kane tweets that next year's NHL playoffs will be different story
- Combative coach Tortorella fired by Rangers after New York's second-round playoff ouster
- Ban on bodychecks has Winnipeg hockey community buzzing
- Shaw, Blackhawks beat Bruins 4-3 in triple overtime in Game 1 of Cup final
- Kane scores 3 goals, Blackhawks knock off defending champion Kings to reach Stanley Cup finals
- Stars unveil new logo, colour amid several changes on 20th anniversary of move to Dallas
- What now? Penguins face plenty of questions after post-season sweep by Bruins
- Original Six final has five big storylines
- Ralph Krueger out as head coach of Edmonton Oilers after 12th-place finish
- Team Canada takes bear spray to boot camp
- Combative coach Tortorella fired by Rangers after New York's second-round playoff ouster
- Winnipeg's Leipsic signs with Preds
- Ban on bodychecks has Winnipeg hockey community buzzing
- Avalanche remain silent on report that former star goalie Patrick Roy may return as coach
- Sharks try to shrug off Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Kings in Game 5
- AP Sources: NHL approves Coyotes sale to Canadian-led group, contingent on lease with Glendale
- Sharks hope to extend home-ice dominance in series vs. Kings and force decisive 7th game
- Blackhawks score 3 in 1st half of 3rd period to come back and beat Red Wings 4-3, force Game 7
- Kane tweets that next year's NHL playoffs will be different story
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?
Login SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.