Truth & Rumors: April 6, 2005

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For the first time during the negotiation period, it seems both the NHL and NHLPA have realized the urgency to get a new agreement in place. For the first time in this process there was a good exchange of dialogue and neither side marched out of the meeting declaring, "No chance of a settlement." -- Sportsnet.ca

The two sides have agreed to concentrate on what was described post-meeting as "the potential for a workable concept" by conducting internal discussions to further develop this mysterious new platform. The NHLPA remains adamant a form of revenue sharing is a critical element. -- Sportsnet.ca

An unnamed source said, "The players asked a lot of questions and appear to be at a point where both sides are ready to negotiate. Reality has set in. The players never expected ( NHL commissioner Gary) Bettman would cancel the season. Well, he did, and now there is the realization that we need to make a deal." -- Sportsnet.ca

If you're waiting for a meaningful meeting now, you might as well wait for mail that was on the Hindenberg. Some form of erroneous report usually emerges that appears to be a glimmer of hope. This debacle is almost certainly going to be settled in the courts. The PA is not going to run up the white flag at this stage. Because the league treated their Dec. 9 offer with such disdain, the players are more galvanized than ever. If there is to be any reversal of course that would keep the matter out of the courts, it will have to come from the owners. -- Toronto Sun

The NHL GMs get together on Thursday in Detroit to discuss how best to improve the way the game is played, and they have invited a small group of high-profile players. The group includes netminder Martin Brodeur, defensemen Rob Blake and Scott Niedermayer as well as forwards Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan and Trevor Linden. Others may be added. -- TSN.ca

Oilers GM Kevin Lowe doubts the session will come up with any radical alterations to the game. "I'd be surprised if we did," he said. "There's been so much talk about it, almost to a point where everybody is expecting sweeping changes, but I don't think you'll see that." Not that they're going to stand pat. Goaltending equipment will be scaled down and the tag-up offside rule resurrected, but the more controversial suggestions will probably have to wait a while. Lowe is all in favor of shrinking the goalies, but will argue vehemently against enlarging the nets. -- Edmonton Sun

Dan Ellis of the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs used the proposed smaller equipment for a full practice last week and commented that once he became used to the feel of the downsized pads, gloves and body armor, he found he could move very well. "His exact quote was, 'You better be careful -- you might make us better,'" chuckled Kris King, who is the NHL's point man for goaltender reform. -- Toronto Star

As for shootouts, Lowe isn't opposed to deciding tie games that way, but worries they'll lose their appeal and all they'll be left with is a crummy way to decide games. "On the other hand, I think our four-on-four OTs are spectacular. You get two-on-ones back and forth, great saves. That's what fans want to see. So before you go to a shootout I'd rather see a 10-minute four-on-four overtime." -- Edmonton Sun

On Friday, the GMs will meet on their own but only to discuss collective bargaining related issues. GMs have a myriad of questions and concerns about practical considerations on everything from the entry draft to free agents to minor league operations. -- TSN.ca