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The players are keeping the peace for at least two more seasons. NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly has called a news conference for today, when he's expected to announce that the players have agreed to extend the collective bargaining agreement through the 2010-2011 season. While they could opt out of the deal signed in 2005, players don't want a repeat of the 2004-'05 lockout. "I don't think anybody wants to go that route again and this agreement has been good for the players," a league executive said. That has come despite a salary cap they opposed -- a cap that's poised to fall in 2010-2011 over the faltering ecomony.
Burke looking for deals
Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke will be a busy man this weekend. Not every GM attends all-star festivities, but there will be enough to hold trade talks. The chatter is the Leafs are shopping C Nik Antropov, LW Alexei Ponikarovsky and D Tomas Kaberle. In return, Burke will be looking for picks and prospects for the rebuilding club.
Exciting move eyed
The NHLPA is also studying ways to make all-star weekend more exciting, including moving the weekend itself. The players suggested changes that are being made to tomorrow's skills competition (including the breakaway challenge) and would like more. Spokesman Glenn Healy would also like all-star weekend moved, so it's not sandwiched between the world juniors and Super Bowl. "What goes on in February?" he asked. "Nothing. We think that would be the perfect time."
Bonding blueliners
YoungStar defencemen Luke Schenn and Drew Doughty have become close friends after playing together with Team Canada on four occasions during their junior careers. "I actually went down and stayed at his house (in London) last summer," the Leafs' Schenn said of the Kings blueliner. Schenn is also "excited" to be taking part in his first NHL all-star game. "You get a chance to meet some guys you grew up watching play. I was tuned into the all-star game not long ago and thinking how cool it would be to play."
