Even if owners reject their final proposal today, as expected, players believe there is still time to save the NHL season.
"A week (of training camp) would be enough," said Bob Corkum, player representative of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.That's just about all the time they would have, considering the Jan. 16 deadline date set by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to start the season.
If there is a season, that is.
With all the issues being discussed, time suddenly became the most important issue as the Board of Governors gathered in New York today to vote on the players' final proposal.
Early responses indicate the owners will reject the players' offer. What happens after that is anyone's guess, although there is sentiment among players that the owners will have a counter-offer before shutting down the 1994-95 season for good.