PHILLY.COM: Frank Seravalli cites multiple sources claiming Flyers owner Ed Snider, a long-time supporter of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, may be souring on the lockout process after it became apparent a deal could not be brokered in time for a December 1 puck drop. Seravalli reports Snider and other NHL owners were promised a big win by Bettman, with concessions from the NHLPA on revenue and player contract rights, but it now appears the best they’ll get is a small win on a 50-50 revenue split, “with a demoralized fan base and all-important corporate sponsors that are ready to quit.” One source “familiar with Snider’s thinking characterized it as: “If this is the deal we are going to get, what’s the point of dragging this out?”
Seravalli also cited multiple sources claiming Snider has “strong discontent” for Boston Bruins owners Jeremy Jacobs, considered the leader among the hardline NHL owners. “Despite their on-ice rivalry, there seems to be some thinking that the Flyers are interested in teaming up with the midmarket but high-revenue Pittsburgh Penguins to sway more governors toward a swift resolution. The Rangers are also viewed as anti-lockout.” Another source claimed the Flyers top-level executives made their own CBA proposal nearly three weeks ago to the league. It remains unclear if that proposal was what drove the NHL’s recent lengthy stretch of CBA negotiations with the NHLPA.