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08:19 AM ET 11.15 | In spite of all the negative energy, the Great One has become the Great Optimist, predicting a happy New Year of sorts in the NHL. With the NHL thought to be days away from hacking off games scheduled for December, Gretzky said he feels a deal between the league and its players could be weeks -- not months -- away. "My gut still tells me that over the next six weeks (they) will get a deal done," he told Toronto's Sportsnet 590 The Fan. "I think there are too many people who want to play and I still see hockey being played come January for a 40- or 50-game schedule." ... [In mid-September, before the league cancelled the Winter Classic], Gretzky predicted an NHL return by Jan. 1.

Wayne Gretzky, Icon Sports

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November 15, 2012 08:51 AM ET

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Yes, because the last time you tried stepping in and getting a deal done to save the season, you TOTALLY SUCCEEDED!

Seriously, next up some Ford exec is going to say "Well, the NHL should use the same philosophy we used when creating the Edsel..."

dannylimes

Toronto, ON

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November 15, 2012 08:56 AM ET

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This prediction was made prior to the cancellation of the Winter Classic, so in my mind it's moot.

I still say put Bettman and Fehr in Thunderdome...

2 Men enter, 1 Man leaves... 2 Men enter, 1 Man leaves... 2 Men enter, 1 Man leaves...

The Aussie Caniac

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November 15, 2012 09:06 AM ET

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And I predict his daughter will become a Mensa member...

Golden Bay

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November 15, 2012 09:39 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 09:06 AM ET 11.15 by Golden Bay

And I predict his daughter will become a Mensa member...

Yeah, he's a real prophet, LOL. What's this weeks lottery numbers?

shiprock

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November 15, 2012 09:40 AM ET

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Gretzky predicts hockey by New Year

Janet's betting on it.

Canuck eh?

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November 15, 2012 09:40 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 09:06 AM ET 11.15 by Golden Bay

And I predict his daughter will become a Mensa member...

If by Mensa you mean Mindless Entity Nice (to) Stare At, you might be correct.

Nobody expects…

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November 15, 2012 10:01 AM ET

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I have always said the season is to long, but 40 games ? This is really pissing me off now !

Harry Crack

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November 15, 2012 10:06 AM ET

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Nothing will happen until the threat of the season is in play. Each side is waiting for the other to blink, and this whole charade is just posturing in hopes that the other side will give in.

Flyers1986-87

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November 15, 2012 11:05 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 09:40 AM ET 11.15 by Canuck eh?

Gretzky predicts hockey by New YearJanet's betting on it.

Betting that their daughter will soon be in a home po__rn movie ?

bostongm

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November 15, 2012 11:11 AM ET

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Fehr should take a vote on all the players regarding the contracting rights...and if enough say yes to the leagues proposals then the NHLPA accepts it and if enough players say no then the NHL season is lost.

bostongm

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November 15, 2012 11:47 AM ET

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QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 11:11 AM ET 11.15 by bostongm

Fehr should take a vote on all the players regarding the contracting rights...and if enough say yes to the leagues proposals then the NHLPA accepts it and if enough players say no then the NHL season is lost.

Actually he knew the end of the world was December 21, Gretz told him, he decided to not have a season and save all the owners money. (what?)

shiprock

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November 15, 2012 11:52 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 10:01 AM ET 11.15 by Harry Crack

I have always said the season is to long, but 40 games ? This is really pissing me off now !

It is indeed a omnishambles.

Baun-ded=PH in…

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November 15, 2012 01:03 PM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 10:01 AM ET 11.15 by Harry Crack

I have always said the season is to long, but 40 games ? This is really pissing me off now !

Remember the ridiculous 24 game season that was the last ditch effort in February 2005?

Flyers1986-87

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November 15, 2012 02:10 PM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 09:40 AM ET 11.15 by Nobody expects Phantomphan MMT

If by Mensa you mean Mindless Entity Nice (to) Stare At, you might be correct.

Nice.

BGDave

Bowling Green , KY

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November 15, 2012 02:11 PM ET

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QUOTE(#12):

Originally posted 11:52 AM ET 11.15 by Baun-ded=PH in MOTION

It is indeed a omnishambles.

Torn down to make room for the Phillips Center

BGDave

Bowling Green , KY

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November 15, 2012 02:23 PM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 09:40 AM ET 11.15 by Canuck eh?

Gretzky predicts hockey by New Year

Janet's betting on it.

We have a winner.

Mozart2010

Denver, CO

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November 15, 2012 03:25 PM ET

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Even if hockey starts by New Year's, who's going to care?

Celtics Rule!

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November 15, 2012 04:54 PM ET

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NHL better be careful. Look how much fans enjoyed a shorter NBA season.

Buc Fettman

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November 15, 2012 06:38 PM ET

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QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 02:23 PM ET 11.15 by Mozart2010

We have a winner.

I concur

The Aussie Caniac

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November 15, 2012 06:56 PM ET

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Sorry Gretz, ever since your banishment by the Mighty Mite, you have been silenced. A bit sad for the Great One, but the owners seem to want it that way. That's why I only watch FREE hockey!!