A full NHL season isn’t possible unless it starts by Nov. 2, deputy commissioner Bill Daly stressed Wednesday to the Canadian Press.
Which is to say, a full NHL season is extremely unlikely.
The league has set a deadline of Oct. 25 for a new CBA to be reached in order for each team to hold a week-long training camp and play 82 regular-season games. Given today is Oct. 24 and no talks have been scheduled between the league and players, a shortened season appears all fans can hope for.
There’s been talk the NHL could push back its deadline and still play a full season. But assuming Daly isn’t bluffing, that’s not the case.
The NBA played a shortened 66-game season last year following a lockout.
The NHL played a shortened 48-game season following the 1994-95 lockout.
Update (1:52 p.m. ET):
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly in email to The Buffalo News: "It's clear we aren't going to have a deal any time soon."
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) October 24, 2012