This just came down the wire from Darren Dreger:
Well, if its a close as we’re sensing it could be a very “good day” according to source.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 5, 2013
And then from Chris Botta:
NHL deal edging closer. Hurdles left that will need some time, but you can plan on the season starting in 2 weeks. @sbjsbd
— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) January 5, 2013
As far as what’s been reported, the two sides are having a small group meeting today, which is better than not having a meeting, but the reason behind such an influx of positivity remains unclear as of yet. Can’t extoll enough the virtues of never getting too high or too low in this process, but let’s hope, with just days left before the season’s lost, we’re finally there.
In the meantime, the first-placed Toronto Marlies are back in action at 3 p.m. against the Rockford IceHogs, the Chicago Blackhawks affiliate with an awful name. You can catch the game on Sportsnet One.
Nazem Kadri returns to the lineup after sitting with what was officially labeled as headaches (not sure the C-word was ever used by a member of the organization) caused by the Zach Stortini hit. Korbinian Holzer rotates back in on the blueline, sufficiently recovered from a toe injury. Kadri will slide onto a line with Greg McKegg and Matt Frattin.
Ben Scrivens starts in goal coming off a shutout in which he didn’t break a sweat against Hamilton.