i hate the argument that the players are the product.
the product is the game of hockey. the NHLPA simply represents the best employees in the world for this industry, which thus creates the best product. one of the main issues is the fact that the players view themselves in this light, and the arrogance of it is absolutely astounding. it is a view that suggests without them there is no sport of hockey, which is absolutely false, you just need to look around to see this.
part of the problem is obviously the fact that with all the endorsements and everything else, the line between employee and product have been blurred some. certainly in the sphere of individual endorsements and advertising, the players are a product. however, what they should figure out pretty quick is that without the NHL they won't be getting any money from those avenues... maybe that will make the light bulb go off? probably not, they've proven to be pretty stupid throughout this whole thing.
in any event, we will see the product of hockey in the fall with or without the NHLPA. it will be a lesser product, but the product is still there and hopefully people will pay to see them play because that is about the only voice we the fans have to express to the NHLPA that the crest means more than they do.