The NHL is poised to lock out its players starting on Sept. 15, but those signed to some Canadian clubs may not feel the brunt of the league's wrath. The NHLPA is planning to challenge the lockout in front of labor boards in both Quebec and Alberta, and if successful, the NHL teams based in those provinces will be forced to pay players throughout the lockout. The affected franchises would be the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens.

Labor law in Canada in provincial, and there's been no word if challenges will be made in Ontario (where the Toronto Maple Leafs are based) or Manitoba (Winnipeg Jets). The challenges in Quebec and Alberta will argue that the players union isn't certified in those provinces, making it impossible for the players to strike and in turn making it impossible for them to be locked out.

A meeting in front of the Alberta board was cancelled on Monday night when the NHL withdrew. If the lockout commences, it will be the league's fourth work stoppage since 1992.

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