"I'd volunteer to do it for free," Boylan said in a phone interview with ESPNNewYork.com. "I'd love to get this thing done."
A Minnesota Wild fan since their inception in 1997, Boylan is left to watch their affiliate club the Houston Aeros instead of cheering for his NHL team as he usually does this time a year.
While both parties have admitted to be open to mediation, it remains to be seen if they will include this approach in their next round of talks, whenever that may be.
Boylan strongly believes that mediation should be considered sooner than later and that much is at stake to see yet another season lost to a work stoppage.
"They know the future of the game is in their hands," he said. "They'd really be blowing this thing if it doesn't get resolved, it being the second lockout in recent memory. That would be a real disaster for everybody."
Boylan took charge in the NFL and NFLPA negotiations last spring and a 10-year deal was ultimately reached in July between both parties.
"I'm pretty confident they're going to get this thing done," he added. "At least there's some hint of optimism on the union's side. I think getting players that love the game and owners that love the game in there together is the perfect combination.
"I'd love to take a crack at it, because it's truly the game I love. And from a selfish standpoint, you'd really like to see them back on the ice."
