Hockey This Fall?

What is going on with hockey and the NHL? Was this decision a good one or a bad one on part of the owners? The owners decided last year that the players were asking too much and so created this 'lockout'. Now the owners continue to bring up proposals and the players keep saying that it isn't enough. But when it officially goes to court, the owners have the right to say that they bargained in good faith and that the players refused, and so will then be able to set the salary cap. There is one small error in the owners plan though: they will only be able to recruit American players. This would be a huge loss to both the fans and the league as American bred hockey is clearly not as good or as competitive as World hockey is. Most players from outside of America who formerly played in the NHL are good enough to make a living in Europe playing hockey. The NHL could also lose such greats from Europe such as Hasek who is one of the best goalies of all time (Czech Republic) or even players from Canada who are also not allowed to play under this new agreement if made such as Wayne Gretzky.
Was this lockout a good move on the owners part? Clearly, I think not. This would be because hockey will not be near as exciting or attractive to many fans as it was with European players. On the upside, the Nashville Predators lost more money on the 2004 season than they did during this 'lockout season'. However, I will likely miss the good hockey that there used to be as many other fans will too.