Dan Boyle of the San Jose Sharks isn't surprised that formal discussions to resolve issues related to the NHL's collective bargaining agreement have stalled for nearly a week and a half.
When asked by CSN Bay Area's Kevin Kurz whether or not he was surprised, he responded:
"No I'm not. The information I've gotten is [the NHL is] saying they want to negotiate, but everything we're hearing is the complete opposite."
Boyle was speaking from the Sharks' training facility on rented ice.
"I think they want us to miss some paychecks is what I think. For them, I guess they figure they don't have to pay us right now, so they've got nothing to gain by settling this thing."
The big question that remains is whether or not the game can withstand another lengthly lockout after the previous impasse cost the sport thousands of fans. What happens next is anyone's guess. The league has already cancelled preseason games through Sep. 30, so it stands to reason that regular season contests are next on the chopping block.
For more on the Sharks, visit the team blog, Fear The Fin.