One of professional hockey's greatest players is preaching patience to fans eager to see a resolution to the current NHL lockout.
"I don't think it's the time for armchair coaching," Hall-of-Famer and current player agent Bobby Orr told Beverly Thomson on Canada AM Thursday. "I think we just have to leave them, let them do their negotiating and hopefully we can get it done sooner than later.
"I really do believe there's a fair deal to be made. And who's right, who's wrong … I don't think it's the time, I don't think it's good for negotiation. "
But Orr offered a suggestion to those involved in the talks between the NHL and NHL Players' Association.
"If I were to give them any advice at all, I would say, lock both sides in a room, give them bread and water and don't come out of the room until you make the deal," Orr said. "Everything is going so well in that league, with LA winning the (Stanley) Cup and the Rangers are going to be strong. We have so many great, young players in our game. The game is in such great shape."
Orr, who played 12 years in the NHL, said he doesn't believe the lockout will go on long-term.
"It's like a trade here; a good trade, where both sides make out, and I think both sides can make out very well here. That's the kind of deal that has to be made, where both sides are happy. And I think they have two bright guys in Don (Fehr) and Gary (Bettman) who should be able to put a deal together, for the good of everyone," he said. "It's unbelievable how many people are affected. From the rinks, to the minor leagues, where players are going down, and other players are getting shoved out for positions. It's not a good thing, hopefully they'll do it sooner than later."
One of the players Orr's agency represents is Senators forward Jason Spezza, who has agreed to play overseas during the current lockout.
