For NHLPA member Dan Winnik, this summer has been all about one thing: communication.
A
veteran of nearly 366 regular season big-league games, Winnik has been a
busy man over the past few months, including his large involvement in
the CBA process and a two-week trip to Asia.
“I’ve been fortunate
to be part of a lot of meetings throughout the CBA negotiations,” said
the 27-year-old. “I’ve had the opportunity to speak with a lot of my
fellow players, some of whom I’m played with and some that I’d never met
until recently.”
The level of contact, from NHLPA Director Don
Fehr, to the interaction between the players, has been ‘unbelievable,’
according to Winnik.
“From young guys to the veterans, teammates or opponents, to Don, the communication is constant,” noted the 265th
overall selection in the 2004 Entry Draft. “Everyone is engaged and
aware of what is going on at every moment. I’ve talked to a number of
guys, either in person, or on the phone, and every player has been
brought up to speed. If you have any questions, they are answered
immediately. The players are very comfortable in knowing they are aware
of everything that is transpiring. Everyone is on the same page.”
There’s no disputing the players belief in Fehr.
“He
has an open-door policy, where every player can call at any time and
he’s available,” said Winnik, who appeared in 84 regular season games in
2011-12 between Colorado and San Jose. “We’ve been kept in the loop
every step of the way…we have a great amount of respect for what he’s
done coming to his role with the NHLPA. We were fortunate to get Don.
He’s the best in the business.”
With the league-imposed lockout
of the players now in effect, Winnik, who starred at the University of
New Hampshire for three campaigns, understands the frustration of the
fans.
“Before any of us played in this league, we were fans,
too,” said Winnik, who signed as a free agent with Anaheim this July. “I
was at university during the last lockout and it was disappointing to
not watch hockey. We know it’s tough for them. They want to watch us
play and we want to be out there playing.
“But in order for us to
get back on the ice, there needs to be a fair deal for both sides,” he
continued. “Our goal is to work with the owners to make the sure game is
on solid ground, to grow the game and ensure stability. We understand
the fans just want to see hockey. But this CBA will affect a majority of
the careers of the players. We know the passion the fans have for the
game. We want to play.”
