NHL Readies for Lockout

NEW YORK (AP) -- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the league is prepared to lock out its players if a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached by Sept. 15, when the current deal expires.

Bettman says time is running out and that the league reminded the NHL Players' Association during talks Thursday that owners are not prepared to enter a new season under the current deal.

Bettman added that there is a "wide gap" on numerous issues.

NHLPA executive director Don Fehr has maintained the two sides can continue discussions beyond Sept. 15, and there is no need for the league to lock out its players.

Fehr did acknowledge there's "a meaningful gulf" between the two sides.

The NHLPA is scheduled to present a counteroffer when talks resume in Toronto next week.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/hockey/nhl/08/09/nhl-lockout-gary-bettman.ap/index.html#ixzz2361jc5U9

The Ted Lindsay Award

The Ted Lindsay Award is in its 2nd year with the NHLPA and NHL.  Formerly the Lester B Pearson Award since its beginning in 1971, this was changed in 2010 to reflect the contribution to the founding of the NHL Players Association Union by Ted Lindsay, the legendary Detroit Red Wings player Ted Lindsay.  

The winner of this award is National Hockey League's outstanding player in the regular season as judged by the members of the NHL Players Association

The Award has been won the last 3 years by Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.  Wayne Gretzky has won it the most times (5) followed by Mario Lemieux (4).

This year the nominees for the award are:

Corey Perry (Anaheim) - The 2011 Rocket Richard Trophy winner for league leader in goals
Daniel Sedin (Vancouver) - The 2011 Art Ross Trophy winner for league leader in points
Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay) -2010 winner of the Hart Trophy as the league MVP.