NHLPA's next move: decertification?
 

Seems to be the word of the day on twitter for anyone talking lockout today.

Not sure what it really means? Check out Bob MacKenzie's latest blog:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=410081

He spells it out fairly clearly and saves me a ton of typing. From what I am reading, its certainly something the players are taking a look at.

Just a negotiation tactic by the PA.

True, for now, but its still an option for them going forward. I hope this wasnt Fehr's plan B.

Sure it's an option, but does it actually help the process or does it create another battle front that will just prolong the lockout?

After reading a few different articles on the process I can't see it being anything more than a really complicated negotiating ploy.

I just want the NHL to come back - but not at the expense of having a league that is a free for all like that soccer crap overseas.

If it's a strange legal step that expedites finding a resolution then they can go crazy.

If it "actually" means they will end up creating free agents galore and going to the highest bidder etc then I am done with the NHL completely. I have sat through two decades of garbage hockey as an Oiler fan and to think that those players could suddenly just be tossed into the open market and picked up by the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs at exorbitent salaries while I have to watch the early 90s all over again - it's not happening.

It would kill the fanbase in most cities.

Now, realistically I can't see the situation ever getting that far, so hey ... why not. Fire away ... do what needs to be done, and let's get the teams back on the ice.

Could go either way. In NBA it certainly helped:

https://twitter.com/SportsLawGuy/sta...89876042387456

You may be right. They are actually not that far apart and taking those steps could force some final movement. But if the PA does this they should do it with fast negotiation in mind to settle the lockout and not to just cause a mess.

as a rangers fan i dont want this either. we have our best team in years and we tried BUYING the cup in the late 90's earlie 2000's. it doesnt work.

This is most definitely a negotiation ploy, and a good one, but the players better be 100% on board. If it goes through it will END lots of player careers, and screw over the 3rd/4th liners. If it happens a couple of points other reporters have brought up:

1) NFL decertified, but the anti-trust cases were denied by a superior court 3 times (after a lower court approved), so there is a presidense set. (as per the hockey Guru Bob McKenzie).

2) If it is dragged out in court, look for no 2013-2014 season either.

3) Sure players have a free-for-all, but only the elite players. AND goodbye pension, benefits, perks (hotels/travel/etc), and bye-bye lots of jobs as teams would most definitely fold.

4) Good bye NHL, as it won't be watchable

I think they may go this route as just a threat, after all it worked in the NFL and NBA negotiations....but what did the players really "gain" in those deals...not much, they are at about 50-50, or worse. Players better know what they are signing up for...but I guess that they should have since they hired Fehr!!

My feeling is they go this route out of pure hatred now. Sadly, at the stage this is at, I do not believe any deal can be reached as long as Fehr and Bettman are at the lead on their respective sides.