Report: NHL Owners Tell Gary Bettman Cancelling Season Is ‘Not an Acceptable Option’

The last NHL lockout cost the league a season. This time, it appears the owners are not prepared for that worst-case scenario to play out once again.

Commissioner Gary Bettman has been privately informed by owners that cancelling the season “is not an acceptable option,” according to the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch. With this news coming on the heels of the league’s latest proposal to the players, it’s hard not to feel a bit optimistic about the chances of the NHL playing hockey this year.

The NHL has cancelled all games through Jan. 14 so far, with a total of 625 games wiped out. However, the league has indicated that a 48-game season is still possible if the owners and players can come to an agreement soon.