NHL players meet to reaffirm stance

TORONTO -- Seventy-five NHL players met with union leaders Tuesday to get an update on a lockout that shows no sign of ending. Among those players was Montreal's Pierre Dagenais, who has said he would be willing to disobey the union and accept a salary cap if that would help settle the lockout.

Dagenais, one of a few players who have criticized the union's position, said he found the meeting informative -- but did not retract his comments.

"I think everyone knows what I said. I just came here to learn a little bit more. I did learn," the Canadiens forward said.

The meeting at an airport hotel was billed as a routine update on the labor dispute so player representatives could brief their teammates. But the meeting took on greater importance following recent comments by disgruntled union members Dagenais, Mike Commodore, Brian Pothier and Rob Ray.

San Jose Sharks forward Vincent Damphousse, a union vice president, invited Dagenais to the meeting. He said Dagenais is now on board.

"I'm very confident that all the guys are on board," Damphousse said.

The players met for about four hours Tuesday, after having dinner together on Monday night. The meeting included player representatives from all 30 clubs and other players who wanted to attend.

NHLPA executive director Bob Goodenow said there was no "crack or divisiveness" in the union. He said no new proposals would be made to the league as a result of the meeting. He's waiting for the league to make a new proposal.

"I'm hopeful that there will be a season, but I have to tell you, there's a good chance there won't be," Goodenow said.

Bill Daly, the NHL's chief legal officer, said no new proposal would be forthcoming from the league. He said the union's latest offer wasn't that different from a proposal they rejected 15 months prior.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Chris Pronger said he's waiting for the league to make the next proposal.

"We're still waiting for a response. I'll wait two years if they don't want to give a response," he said.