Whether it ends up being in with the BSens or here in Ottawa, it’s safe to say the Senators are expecting big things from defenceman Jared Cowen next season. And at 6’5, 230 lbs and still growing, you can see why that might be the case.  The Saskatoon native is coming off his first full season in the National Hockey League and will be expected to take on an increased role in the organization heading into the 2012/2013 campaign.

Finally back from a great weekend in Boston and I see there has been little in the way of progress in conversations between the NHL and NHLPA. While there’s still time for a last minute miracle, it certainly looks like the National Hockey League is headed for yet another lockout. At a time when the league is surrounded by good vibes and record revenues, the powers that be have decided now is a good time to lock the doors to arenas around North America.

With no new progress to report on the CBA front, a lockout is looking more and more likely. Gary Bettman will meet with the owners a week from now to discuss their plans moving forward and while there are no formal talks planned between the two sides, there have been rumours about informal negotiations.  According to some reports, Steve Fehr and Bill Daly met for dinner in New York last night.