Minnesota Wild still waiting as lockout extended to Dec. 30

The NHL has reportedly cancelled all games through Dec. 30, according to various reports citing a source close to the NHL.

That adds 16 more days without hockey and cancels 104 more games. The move doesn't come as a surprise. Talks between the league and the NHLPA broke off on Thursday, with the league pulling their proposals from the table after meetings that apparently saw the sides come closer than ever. The biggest surprise, many say, is that only 16 games were cancelled: the sides were still belligerent after the disastrous end to talks, and a cancellation of games that didn't bridge into 2013 leaves some hope that a season could happen.

On the plus side, Minnesota Wild coach Mike Yeo is remaining optimistic that his team will play. Michael Russo of the Star Tribune reported reports that Yeo met with Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman to discuss how he managed to get his players prepared for the season when the NBA's lockout shortened the team's training camps.