[SprongShowHKY]

The NHLPA and the Owners have officially declared a lockout in a Press Release today. Rumors are rampant and in full swing. The issue getting the most traction is the one of the "Scorched Earth" where all 26 NHL teams would start from scratch in a Free Agency free for all.

I figured this would test the Loyalty and Favorite Team factors in FHM

Some players were made comments available on such a possibility, including the following;

Wayne Gretzky: "I think I would hold out until an agreement has been made. I've played a lot of hockey over the last 15 or so years. There are talks that some of us will start a travel team to stay near game shape (IRL the Ninety Nine All Stars).

Paul Kariya: "It would be a great opportunity to be able to play with some great players, Anaheim is an amazing city.

The league's top player, Mario Lemieux, would likely have to face a choice to stay loyal to his team on which he won back to back cups, or maybe return home to play for Les Canadiens or Nordiques.

Dave Hodge had this to say;
The possibility of starting from scratch has generated quite the buzz throughout hockey circles. One would have to think that organizations will want to ensure their hockey operations and coaching staff are top notch as players will have to be enticed by factors such as location, role and organization. The idea right now is that all players that were 20 and Under on July 1st will be retained by their respective clubs. Thus players such as Eric Lindros could be on the move while Daigle, Yashin, Kariya, etc will be staying put. This should help give the smaller markets who have drafted well an advantage for veterans not looking to carry a lineup.