Russ Conway: NHL can't implement a cap without the union

[vanlady]

Al Strachan Article had this comment :

Furthermore, if the NHL were somehow to get the right to use replacements, it would want each team to be able to retain the rights to its players. It wouldn't want them waltzing off as total free agents upon the terminations of each contract.
Again, that's illegal if it is done unilaterally. The NLRB isn't going to allow the NHL to implement a system that is illegal.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Strachan/2005/01/14/898401.html

My question if you know .. My understanding that replacement players can be anyone the NHL choses ..

Is it not possible if in an Impasse situation and Players Strike that say Joe Sakic could cross and play for his Home Town Canucks rather then Colorado ??

There are several holes in Strachans article. To start with, legal precedent in this case won't be limited too pro sports it will include all forms of precedent. The biggest responsibility of the NLRB is to make the decision "will the employees be better off without the union" if the answer to this is yes, the NLRB has no choice to rule unfair labor.

To answer your question, Joe Sakic couldn't play for Colorado anyway, due to immigration laws in reguards to PA status, he could play for Vancouver however.