We still believe that the framework we have had in place for the last 10 years now has served the sport of hockey well.

In terms of the effect of, for lack of a better term, capping minor-league salaries at $75,000, that was clearly not the intent of the provision but I suppose I'm not surprised by the impact of the provision,

The union's proposal was intended merely to preserve a status quo that promises escalating ticket prices, competitive imbalance, bankrupt franchises, hundreds of millions in team losses and 20 teams losing money - all of which imperil the future of our game,

We are very frustrated and concerned over where we are in this process. The union is engaged in a charade. It is clear to us that union leadership has no interest in negotiating or making a deal to save the start of the season. Union leadership is stalling, doing everything in its power to ensure this collective bargaining negotiation is not resolved in a timely manner.

The Hockey Hall of Fame is the essential destination for the total hockey experience, and the new NHL Zone will add to that experience. The NHL is proud to support the Hall's further development.

We do not yet consider the matter closed. We are hopeful to be able to sit down with the Russian federation in the next several days to discuss whatever concerns they might have in entering into a new agreement.