On Oct. 26, the NHL wiped out all regular-season games through Nov. 30, as well as the January 1 Winter Classic. A total of 326 regular-season games (26.5 per cent of the season) were scheduled for Oct. 11 through Nov. 30.
Today's announcement brings the total to 422 regular-season games (34.3 per cent of the season).
"The reality of losing more regular-season games as well as the 2013 NHL All-Star Weekend in Columbus is extremely disappointing," said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. "We feel badly for NHL fans and particularly those in Columbus, and we intend to work closely with the Blue Jackets organization to return the NHL All-Star events to Columbus and their fans as quickly as possible."
The Blue Jackets have also announced that they are issuing refunds for any tickets purchased for the NHL SuperSkills competition and the All-Star Game.
"First and foremost, the Blue Jackets are very disappointed for our fans that All-Star festivities will not be coming to our great city in January," said club President Mike Priest. "Our commitment to bringing this event to our fans is as strong as ever. The NHL believes Columbus will be a great host and will work with us to bring the All-Star Celebration here as soon as possible."
At 3:10pm ET, NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr released the following statement regarding today's announcement:
"On Wednesday, the players presented a comprehensive proposal, once again moving in the owners' direction in order to get the game back on the ice. The gap that remains on the core economic issues is $182 million. On Wednesday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said that the league is losing $18-20 million per day during the lockout, therefore two more weeks of cancelled games far exceeds the current economic gap. It makes the NHL's announcement of further game cancellations, including the 2013 All-Star Weekend, all the more unnecessary, and disappointing for all hockey fans -- especially those in Columbus. The players remain ready to negotiate but we require a willing negotiating partner."
