NHL, NHLPA need to start talking — to each other, that is

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In terms of NHL-NHLPA negotiations, Wednesday was just another day. It was just another day of the two sides not getting together to negotiate, just another day of a stalemate, just another day with no hockey.

Meanwhile, the Canadian radio airwaves were abuzz with league and players association brass interviews. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly did two, including one with Hockey Night in Canada in which he said, yes when Elliote Friedman asked him if we have a season. Donald Fehr was talking, too, to Sportsnet 590 The Fan, prior to Daly joining the station later in the day.

Yes, they were all talking, and the links to each interview link is in this link. But we digress. Lets just say that there will be hockey this season. Great. Awesome. Its what weve all wanted to hear since, oh, September. But heres a novel idea: if were going to have hockey, how about the brass gets back to talking to each other instead of radio hosts. Now.

Even if that 48-season is saved, with the two sides starting in mid-Januaryand at this point, thats about the only time frame remaining to startnot talking for nearly a week now is ludicrous. Its Dec. 19, six days before Christmas, when were all reminded to be good to each other, to have peace, and that its better to give than to receive. But laid-off team employees arent receiving a thing. Vendors whose shifts have been cut or lessened arent receiving much either. Local businesses are receiving less. Fans arent receiving their moneys worth of games.

And through the airwaves, the league and PA say they have nothing more to give.

Merry Christmas.

For those who were hoping there would be even a training camp around this timeand that includes myselfforget it. The hope that things would get resolved after the last cancellation of games has dissolved into mist. And, as Daly said on both radio interviews today, more cancellations are likely this week. The same Daly who said yes when asked do we have a season.

The breaking point is just about there. That 48-game season can only fit in a certain amount of space. The NHL needs to get back on the ice to avoid irreparable damage. Both sides are aware of that. So now get together and talk about it. And dont stop talking until the deal is done.

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