Derrico

I know we're all getting tired of hearing about this lockout but sounds like talks are going well this afternoon. Possible disclaimer of interest tonight so the next few hours could be huge.

The quick development of guys like Grigorenko, Armia and Brennan could really help us out. There was talk before this lockout that Armia and Grigorenko were likely to play out this season out of the NHL but would be a part of the 13/14 club. I'm not sure what the max rookie salary is but those could be decent players for us at a very affordable cap hit. We're going to need a few of those guys next season to stay under the cap and be competitive.

Hats off to the Americans this morning. I woke up to find them up 1-0 and went back to bed after the 2nd. On a selfish note, Jake McCabe looks like the real deal out there. I remember when he was drafted the Sabres brass was saying they considered taking a forward in that spot but had rated McCabe as a first rounder and were surprised he had fallen so far. I know Girgenson sounds like he's off to a slow start but Grigorenko and McCabe seem like the real deal!

Doesnt sound good. Real_ESPNLeBrun: Hearing both sides disappointed with lack of true movement in each other's new positions today... Key is to keep talking though..

Happy New Years!

What a F*$king idi*t

aaronward_nhl: NHLPA Executive Board voted last night,to give players a vote to AUTHORIZE Exec Board to chose to proceed on Disclaimer of Interest #TSN

Who knows what the backlash from this lockout will be. However, the vibe I'm getting from everyone I've talked to, good luck selling those tix in January.

Interesting, I had not heard of that. Do you have a source? By both agreeing to a mediator does that mean that both sides feel their that close? Owners had declined having a mediator several times in the recent past.

I can't even get upset with your point because it's atleast a hockey discussion that doesn't involve this unreal lockout. Really? You can't be serious.

I know I'd be doing the same thing and probably many hockey fans. That's why it feels so good to publically (tweets, articles etc.) throw the two idiots under the bus.

If we're "lucky" ###### them all

Complete ###### ######

I hear you, that is terrible if they go public. But I've never before heard them say 'we think we're on complete agreement with dollars.'

Wow, all had looked lost. But after hearing what the PA just said, how is a deal not done? I undestand the devil is in the details but they seem awfully close right now based on the latest update. What am I missing here??

Very bold prediction Chez. You're usually well informed with every post you make so let's hope you're right on this. I agree that I don't think they're as far off from a deal being reached as perceived in the media. But who knows, I've also said that most of the week and things are still not sounding good.

By the way, if anyone wants to see his most recent four goal performance and a bit of a (homer) writeup on the kid then it can be found below. http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/GARTH/SuperGrig/6/47465.

We know the kid can put up points. He was rated very highly in central scouting's (and other reputable scouting service) rankings. There was talk he was a top 2 or 3 pick up until last years playoffs where he was labelled as lazy and not willing to do what it takes to win. Then the mono storey came out. To me, it's great he's putting up these numbers and there's a real chance he could finish the season in Buffalo (if there is one) but I'll have to wait and see if he can perform when push comes to shove to truely get excited. If he can perform come crunch time though this guy could be a huge steal in the draft and end up being the cornerstone front line center of this franchise for years to come.

Rumor has it the players want every dime of their salary for this season rather than a pro-rated salary based on number of games this season ends up being (if we have one). That really pisses me off. True they were locked out but both of these boneheads are in this together. The only satisfaction I have right now is knowing my hard earned dollars are not going to a single one of them and they're both losing money. Players better not get a full seasons pay.

I know that nobody trusts Eklund. But for what it's worth he says not to panic and things are going fine in negotiations. http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Things-are-fine-Dont-Panic--Another-Late-Night-Ahead/1/47423

Not Sure how to post a tweet so I copied and pasted. Doesn't sound good based off this. TSNBobMcKenzie: Doesn't sound like things going well with NHL-NHLPA but doing play by play/making sense of offers we know so little about = mug's game.

Looks like Kassian is back to his old tricks. Suspended 1 game for throwing a temper tandrum in the penalty box. http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/08/ahl-suspends-zack-kassian-for-one-game/

:w00t: Very well played good sir.

Well it looks like it's lasted longer than 10 minutes this time....

Watched a bit of the Russia vs QMJHL game and Grigorenko looks dangerous almost everytime he touches the puck. I watched him a bit in September and he looks like a more confident player imo. Roy has done an excellent job with the kid. Grigorenko scored the first goal of the game and has added an assist. Several other nice passes leading to chances.