NHL Lockout and Matt Martin Re-Signs.

Per the Associated Press, “BREAKING: NHL locks out players as labor pact expires; second work stoppage since 2004.”  It is the NHL’s third stoppage under Gary Bettman and the fourth the Sport has endured.  Kevin McGran points out, “NHL puts ‘message to our fans’ on website, praising the just-expired CBA – the one they refuse to play under any more."

Finally, just before the NHL Lockout was imposed, the New York Islanders signed LW, Matt Martin to a 4-year deal worth $1M per season.  Martin has played 153 gp for the Islanders with 12 and 18 for 50 pts and 294 pims in three NHL seasons.  Martin was most recently recognized for breaking the NHL season record in hits last year with 374. 

Matt Martin has become an important leader for New York and brings a physical presence with offensive ability.

Matt Martin was selected by the New York Islanders in the 5^th round, 148^th overall at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Isles Notes:

Per Christian Arnold, "Sean Backman, Colin McDonald, Matt Watkins, Nathan McIver and Ty Wishart cleared waivers and were all assigned to Bridgeport by the Isles."

AHL Notes:

Per AHL, “AHL fans (old and new): AHL training camps open Sept. 28, the puck drops on Oct. 12.”

NHL Notes:

Per Katie Strang, My understanding of (yesterday's) ruling: PA was denied request for immediate injunction against lockout. Board will, however, hear the case further some time relatively soon. Premature to say any side won/lost since their will be further adjudication Alberta Labour Relations Board confirmed what Aaron Ward first reported earlier: hearing will take place September 21^st. NHLPA Gen. Counsel Don Zavelo: "Should the NHL carry out its threat to lock out the players in Quebec, it will do so at its own risk."

Per @Capgeek, “With an NHL lockout hours away, teams have now spent $168.375M re-signing 12 players over the past two days.  Teams have also spent more than $1.5 billion signing 177 players since July 1, 2012, the first day of free agency.  Since last Saturday, $219.55M on 18 players. You can add $162.4M to all previous numbers to account for Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Quick re-signings -- both added to CapGeek pre-July 1.”

Per @kmacdonald13, “Doan gets 20mil the day before the lockout from team currently owned by #NHL Apparently Gary can't control his GM either.”

Per Darren Dreger, “As has been reported, Hockey Can and NHLPA discussing a Can-Rus series involving locked out NHL players. Part of 40th anniversary of 72.”

Per Matt Cockell, “Games lost due to labor strike/lockout since 1992 by sport NFL: 0, NBA: 504, MLB: 938, NHL: 1,698.”

Per @Kevin_mcgran, “hearing layoffs are coming to NHL offices starting Monday.”