An NHL lockout is likely going to be put in place this weekend and unfortunately, it doesn't seem as though any end is in sight. Even worse? If the CBA negotiations aren't settled by Thanksgiving, it sounds as though there won't be a 2012-13 season in the NHL.
The NHL lockout will begin in earnest on Saturday night if the owners and players are unable to reach an agreement -- and the chances of an agreement before then seem to be slim to none. What's worse, however, is that Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press is reporting that the players would likely sit out the entire season if there isn't an agreement by Thanksgiving:
While it's a foregone conclusion that the NHL's labor agreement will expire Saturday without a new deal, people in the know say the players association wants a new deal before Thanksgiving. If not, it's willing to sit out the entire season.
Also, if there isn't a new labor contract by Thanksgiving, don't be surprised if players refuse to participate in the NHL's Winter Classic popular outdoor game scheduled for Jan. 1 between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The game is to be televised on NBC.
Hopefully this is settled sooner rather than later, but it doesn't sound like that'll be the case.
Stick with this StoryStream for more updates on the CBA negotiations. For complete NHL coverage, visit SB Nation's hockey hub.
