{allcanada} NHLPA gives players lockout preparation memo

The NHL Players Association is expected to hold two days of internal meetings next week in New York ahead of the league's Sept. 15 lockout deadline.

But the NHLPA is already answering players' questions with a memo that went out to players on Tuesday, entitled "How Does a Lockout Affect Me?"

In the memo, obtained by USA TODAY Sports, the NHLPA provides information that players will need in the event of a lockout, which would be the league's third since 1994.

For example, the NHLPA points out that injured players still would receive their paychecks during the lockout. That would include players such as Boston Bruins center Marc Savard and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger (concussions) and New York Rangers winger Marian Gaborik, who's expected to be out until November after having shoulder surgery.

"If you are unfit to play because of a hockey-related injury when a lockout begins, you are entitled to receive your salary until you are fit to play," the memo said. "If you are currently injured, you should make sure that your condition is fully documented and that your club is aware of it. If you do not receive your salary payment when it becomes due, you should contact your agent and/or the NHLPA legal department immediately."

The memo also explains that players can sign to play in other leagues when they are locked out, but could face problems with their current NHL team should they be injured while playing elsewhere.

"We expect that your NHL club would suspend you without pay until you are fit to play," the NHLPA memo said. "There also is a possibility that the club might take other disciplinary action. The NHLPA may be able to dispute such suspensions and disciplinary actions under the grievance and arbitration procedure.

"If you intend to play for a club in another league during a lockout, we recommend that you ask that club to insure the value of your SPC (standard players' contract) against injury. If the club is unwilling to do so, we recommend that you purchase disability insurance on your own."

The NHLPA informed players that signing bonuses, buyout payments and return of escrow payments will be paid even if there is a lockout. Escrow payments are expected to arrive in mid-October.

According to the memo, teams aren't expected to make any player moves during a lockout.

"During previous lockouts, the clubs did not trade players or the rights to players after the lockout started," the memo said. "We expect that clubs will take the same position in the event of another lockout.

With regard to 18- and 19-year old players, the memo said teams could send eligible players back to junior hockey before the lockout begins.

"After the lockout begins, clubs probably will take the position that they will not loan players to a major junior club unless the NHL and NHLPA agree otherwise," the memo stated. "Your right to play in the NHL for the rest of the season after the lockout will be determined when the lockout ends."

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