NEW YORK -- If indeed a players and owners-only meeting comes to fruition, count New York Rangers team owner and MSG chairman James Dolan as a willing participant.

A source familiar with Dolan's thinking confirmed to ESPNNewYork.com a New York Post report that Dolan was interested in becoming involved in the labor dispute that has kept his team off the ice for months. As owner of the New York Knicks, Dolan was integrally involved in the NBA lockout last year and, if called upon, would become engaged in the labor talks between the NHL and NHLPA as well.

The development comes after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman proposed to the NHLPA a meeting between owners and players only -- no NHLPA or league staff involved -- to jump-start a negotiation process that has soured and threatens to jeopardize the entire season altogether. Bettman suggested the meeting after mediation talks broke off on Thursday.