It's official: link [^].

While this is unfortunate, scrapping this season was probably the best thing to do anyway.  An abbreviated season this year wouldn't have been worth it. 

What I'm glad to see is that the League wasn't bluffing and that they held their ground - unlike the NHLPA - over the past 6 months.  I happen to agree with the League that a cap is needed, and they stuck to their guns to make sure they get their way.  The players have lost this battle because their livelyhood and income was on the line.  They gambled and didn't get their way. 

So many of the NHL'ers are now playing in minor leagues or European leagues.  They don't want a salary cap and want to let the market determine their value, yet they're now playing in leagues that HAVE a cap and where their market value is low.  How hyprocrytical is that?

Now that there isn't any urgency, I fear that talks between the League and NHLPA will not resume until it's time for the next season to actually start.  Far to late to start talking in my opinion.  Unless the players have a change in heart, or the rank-and-file union members drum up enough support to convince their leaders to accept the League's cap number so they can make a living, I believe the lockout will continue deep into next season. 

Well, at least I won't have to feel bad about sitting on the couch watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs on a beautiful, warm June evening this year.