If the NHL and NHLPA remain at a stand still and cancel the next set of games, the 2013 All-Star Game is likely to fall as well, the Columbus Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline reports.
Portzline claims that the “axe could fall any day now.”
One would assume that tonight’s meeting would be one of the few things that could save the event for host city Columbus, which could gain approximately $12 million from the weekend festivities, according to Portzline.
(Portzline also points out that the event would give the Blue Jackets an opportunity to show off improvements to Nationwide Arena.)
Many expected the All-Star Game to be one of the first things to get canceled because of the lockout, but the 2013 Winter Classic ended up falling on Nov. 2. The NHL’s willingness to cancel that enormous event makes it clear that the All-Star Game could be nixed as well.
We might find out soon enough if it will be among the latest casualties if games are canceled through Dec. 15, as many anticipate.