CHICAGO - An NHL lockout that's already nine weeks old won't end any time soon unless owners show some willingness to negotiate, agents said after a meeting with the players' union.
The NHL Players' Association held an informational session with 62 agents Wednesday, explaining the union's proposal in detail, sharing correspondence with the league and answering whatever questions the agents had.
"I see the possibilities - from both sides," agent Don Meehan said. "This wasn't an affair today that we were given a jaundiced view in terms of one position. I think it was a frank assessment of the aims and objectives of both sides.
"I see possibilities for resolution," he added. "At least I can draw my own conclusion in terms of what might be satisfactory for both sides."
But Meehan might be the only one. While most agents remain hopeful the season can be saved, their optimism that it will actually happen appears to be fading.
"We've got real concerns that we're going to lose the season, there's no question," agent Don Baizley said. "Both sides remain resolute at this moment, so there is a real risk of losing the season, there's no question about that. But everybody hopes that can be avoided."
"I'm not very optimistic at all," said Dallas Stars forward Bill Guerin, a member of the executive board. "But you never know. We're still very early into this whole lockout process. But I'm not optimistic."
STAR GOALIES JOIN CHARITY TOUR: New Jersey's Martin Brodeur and Ottawa's Dominik Hasek are expected to be among the players announced today when player agency IMG releases details for its European charity tour. The Primus Worldstars Tour will run Dec. 7-23, with 10 games in seven countries. Mats Sundin of Toronto, Sergei Fedorov of Anaheim, Joe Thornton of Boston and Rick Nash of Columbus are also expected to be among the 25-player roster announced today. Wayne Gretzky and IMG organized a similar tour 10 years ago during the last NHL lockout. A portion of the proceeds raised from this year's tour will be donated to the NHLPA's Goals and Dream program, which distributes hockey equipment to needy kids around the world.
CANUCKS: In a surprise sale, Vancouver businessman Francesco Aquilini bought half of the franchise from American John McCaw. The purchase price was not immediately disclosed. "We got a fair deal. We're very happy," Aquilini said. "Local ownership adds value, it puts deeper roots in the community. People have been wanting that for a long time."
