Bobby Orr “absolutely” believes there will be an NHL season this year.
One of the greatest hockey players of all time appeared on Citytv’s Breakfast Television Thursday morning (watch below) and offered his solution to the collective bargaining agreement negations, which have currently been put on hold.
“I know what I’d do with them,” Orr said of NHLPA head Donald Fehr and league commissioner Gary Bettman, with a smile. “I’d put them in a room with bread and water and say, ‘Now you stay in there until you make a deal.’ ”
“It would be outrageous not to have season,” said Orr, who believes a new CBA will be signed sooner rather than later. “I do think a fair deal can be made.”
Orr made a point of explaining that is not only players and owners who are being affected, but that rink employees, businesses around the arenas, and minor leaguers who are losing their roster spots are feeling the hurt of the lockout.
The NHL cancelled all 61 preseason games through Sept. 30 on Wednesday afternoon. Yet Orr — whose agency represents players such as Jason Spezza, Taylor Hall, Cam Ward and the Staal brothers — remains optimistic.
“I think we’ll get most of the season in. Don and Gary are two smart guys, and there’s so much good in our game right now. From talent, the L.A. market winning the Stanley Cup, the Rangers are going to be strong, there’s so many young players, TV contracts – there’s a lot at stake here,” Orr said. “I think it can be done.”
