That really hinges on what happens TODAY. For those who haven't heard, the NHL and NHLPA are scheduled to meet around 1:30 CDT, and the reports are that the union will make a counter-proposal to the league's offer, made earlier this week. I've heard that the union has based its counter-proposal on the NHL's offer, which is a very good thing. If the union were to ignore the league offer and counter-propose off its own previous offer, then the season would be in trouble. If there is good dialogue today, then perhaps the deal gets done before Oct. 25, and they can start the season on Nov. 2, which would squeeze in the 82-game schedule.

As I've mentioned, Schwartz has put himself in the best position possible to win a roster spot. However, unless he knocks the Blues' socks off, I think he stays in Peoria, especially since there won't be a training camp and Schwartz can continue to get into a groove with the Rivermen. Also keep in mind, the older vets are staying in shape too. I've been to the informal practices and Langenbrunner and Nichol are on the ice almost every day. Schwartz isn't going to steal a spot from one of those guys.

I've read the same reports/rumors you have, and the league, I believe, has already denied them. Quite honestly, I don't see it happening at this point in time. Maybe some day, but not right now.

After making its proposal, the NHL said that under the plan there would be a one-week training camp. I believe that would be for teams to practice on their own. No time now for scheduling games and traveling.

Sure the 82-game would be appeasing to fans, but the insistence on squeezing it in at this point is about the gate revenue for the owners and paychecks for the players. Even some players told me this week that playing 82 games with one less month would be pretty difficult. If I were an owner, I would actually be worried about the health of my players getting started that quickly and having such a busy schedule. Even with a full preseason, we've seen guys come up with groin injuries, etc. Yes, they're working out, but not like they would have during training camp. Pretty risky in my opinion.

No change. Hitch has said several times that he will start with that line.

The salary cap is tied to the league revenue and players' salaries. If the players' portion of HRR goes down, which is the plan of the NHL, the salary cap would go down also. You can see what those figures would be in the league's proposal, which it released to the public earlier this week.

It depends if the NHL rejects it and talks break off, or if the NHL says "no," but how about this...after today's meeting, it's all about how the sides react to one another. Tonight, we could be hearing about the sides planning further talks this week, or about talks breaking off.

I'm told not necessarily. Some jobs may be brought back, but I was told that nothing was guaranteed, even after the lockout. That's the huge unfortunate part of this. No lockout, no reason for further cutbacks.

Tarasenko returned to the SKA lineup today. He played almost 16 minutes. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to watch the game. I'm assuming he came out OK unless someone saw or heard differently.

All of them are coming back. They're under contract. They want to be in the NHL. They're playing overseas because they have to, not because they want to. Tarasenko is under contract with the Blues and has told the team he will be back.

Wow, I'm being asked a question from myself. Well self, Halak is not currently playing with a team, but he is practicing daily in Bratislava. He has not made a decision yet and if he'll play, or for whom, if the lockout continues.

All reports from the club and his agent are that he's fine. Certainly the extra time is helping.

Kris Russell has returned to Finland. I was told that the original knee injury, which he suffered playing in Finland, was misdiagnosed. He returned to North America, had it checked out, was given a clean bill of health and is back overseas.

That would not be a bad idea, but I don't think we'll see that happen. More NHL salary paid by owners.

Both sides recognize the possibility of this. I really think that being afraid of the potential backlash is, in part, what is pushing these talks recently.

To my knowledge, David Backes, Andy McDonald and Kevin Shattenkirk have been heavily involved. There are others, too, but those are the guys who have made special trips to be with the NHLPA and been on the conference calls.

I think overall the players being allowed to voice their opinion has been a good thing and worked in their favor. But you're right, some guys just weren't made to speak publicly. I think whenever players start comparing their salaries and their work stipulations to those of the everyday working man or woman, your point is not going to be made. There are many more people out there who don't want to hear about a player making $5 million instead of $6 mil .... BOOM POW

I went the other day and there weren't any fans. I was told that the workouts were closed to the public and I'm assuming that's still the case. I'll let you know if I hear otherwise.

To my knowledge, with Russell and Tarasenko back on the ice, everyone is ready to go.

To a certain degree I believe it's a good thing for the Blues that the Cardinals are still playing. But you'd have to have your head in the sand not to know what's going on with hockey. I don't think it's a situation where people aren't "aware." I honestly believe they don't care. I think many will come back once the season gets rolling, but right now, many (not all) don't care.

According to the NHL, teams would be allowed to go over what the cap would be in the future under the league's plan. Off the top of my head, I think it was $70.2 million. I don't know that either one is pushing for this more. It's pretty much the way it has to be during the transition.