It appears that Detroit Red Wings veteran forward Todd Bertuzzi is losing hope that there will be an NHL season this year.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Bertuzzi was attending a players-run practice on Monday when he stated he was "not very optimistic," that a deal could be reached and that "I see us losing a year."
The NHL lockout is currently in its 72nd day with no talks planned in the immediate future.
"I think the owners, at this time, are strong-holding it and putting their foot in the sand and not budging," Bertuzzi told the Free Press. "They want what they want, and that's plain and simple.
"Unfortunately, it's going to take years to build back the revenue. It's going to take a long time. These people are (ticked) right now. They're not just - 'I don't care, I'll come back,' or whatever. Fans are (ticked) now. They're getting to a point where they're not even really paying attention anymore to what's going on. They're sick and tired of hearing the same (stuff) coming out of both sides' mouths, and who can blame them? It's frustrating."
The 37-year-old also touched on the topic of decertification, which would see the Players' Association dissolve, thus making the lockout illegal. The tactic has been used by players in both the NFL and NBA in their recent negotiations, but it would see the NHL and the players going to court to try to resolve their impasse.
"So players go after owners, we sue them - how long is that going to take?" Bertuzzi stated to the Free Press. "Four to five to six, seven months. So that means the season is gone. So if anything, it hurries up the process of ending this thing, so guys aren't sitting around waiting to see what's going to be next."
