Winnipeg Jets president Mark Chipman speaks during a news conference in Winnipeg on Jan. 7, 2012 about the NHL Players' Association rejection of the league's realignment proposal. (BRIAN DONOGH/QMI Agency)
WINNIPEG - It would be satisfying for hockey fans to know that all the bickering and strife that took yet another bite from yet another NHL season were worth it.
A worthwhile price to pay to finally put this owner-vs-player BS to bed for good.
Alas, the NHL isn't even pretending that's the case.
Unlike in the summer of 2005, not even commissioner Gary Bettman is saying the system has been fixed for good.
Broaching the subject with the two key Winnipeg figures in the dispute produces no assurances either that the new CBA's expiry date won't leave the whole thing smelling again, like that long-forgotten container of milk at the back of the fridge.
"I don't think there's any certainty that won't be the case," Jets owner Mark Chipman said Thursday.
A day earlier, Jets player rep Ron Hainsey sounded even more skeptical.
"If eight, 10 years down the road there needs to be an adjustment," Hainsey said. "Then you guys can deal with it."
