They're trying. That much can be said.
A group of NHL owners and players put in another marathon collective bargaining session Wednesday in New York, not breaking up until 1 a.m. Thursday.
When it was over, Winnipeg Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey told reporters the two sides had "a series of candid discussions." NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly called it "good, candid dialogue" but also noted there are "critical open issues between the two parties."
Is the NHL closer to finally starting the season? It's still too early to tell. In an effort to agree on a CBA and end the lockout, other sessions have seemed promising and fallen apart with much rancor.
The two sides will meet again Thursday. The NHLPA will hold an internal meeting before the CBA session.
For the second straight day, six NHL owners and a group of players held collective bargaining meetings without NHL commissioner Gary Bettman or NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr in the room. For the second day, some apparent progress was made, with both the league and union making CBA proposals.
Both sides emerged from Tuesday's sessions feeling generally optimistic about the dialogue and exchanges. On Wednesday, the NHL held its scheduled board of governors meeting, and NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly gave an update on what had been said.
"We are pleased with the process that is ongoing," Bettman told reporters after the governors meeting, without elaboration and without taking questions.
After the two-hour governors meeting, the six owners and the group of 19 players again met -- together and in separate groups -- Wednesday afternoon and then late into the night. Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Craig Adams had to leave because of other commitments.
It's believed the league is seeking a 10-year CBA, while the union has proposed a shorter term, possibly five years.
There was speculation the two sides might be considering a 54-game season that would begin either just before or after Christmas.
The league is requesting an immediate 50-50 split of hockey-related revenue (HRR) and says it will "make whole" the players' existing contracts through deferred payments. The players received 57 percent of HRR last season -- about $1.88 billion.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Dear Players--time to agree...
Thu, 12/06/2012 - 12:56 — squeaky83NHL split the difference on Make whole--$300 Million, but want 10 year CBA agreed to in return (Player opt out at 8 years). NHL agreed to keep FA, arbitration and rookie contracting rights same as last year. NHL still wants 5 year contract max, but will allow home team 7 years for their own signed players. Still 50/50.
Players don't like the whole deal. Guess what? Neither do most owners. The owners now have gone as far as they are willing to go. They have finally compromised past the 50/50 point and gave players something more. At this stage, I honestly believe it is as good as it will get, and for the players to push for more is to sacrifice the season, and thereby give up all their pay for this year--which would be a lot more than they would lose accepting this deal.
If they do not accept now, I guarantee the NHL offer gets worse. The players threat of decertification will then be put to the test. Hard to say if it would spur the league to settle on the player's terms--seriously doubt it. Now also hard to say the league didn't seriously try to negotiate. League can no show they've been trying. So doesn't look good for the players even if they decertify--not sure the courts would give them a win at all.
So what do the players gain by not agreeing now? Anyone think the league will agree to even more?? Anyone think if this year is lost the hardline owners take over and push for an even better deal for their side given the loss of the season and it's revenues, and along with the damage to the game's growth???
Playres, you've fought hard, you've lost a lot. It isn't fair. So what? Can you really say it's too much and you are now unwilling to play hockeyfor the NHL? Think you can get better bucks elsewhere? Go for it. Not much is fair in life or business. But you've finally got concessions and get to keep your contracting rights. You lose very little with 5/7 year contracts. You get to play. You get to make money--BIG money. you get most of your current contracts--except for what you've already lost this year. See the writing on the wall. Sign and play, or you'll be making the same comments previous players have after the last lockout: "why did we hold out and not sign only to lose big anyway, and lose a whole year of play and money that can never be gotten back."
We'll know it's over...
Thu, 12/06/2012 - 10:07 — louis12580when we see that white puff of smoke rising above the NHL offices in NYC. Until then.... NO, this is not to be confused with the constant presence of steam coming from manholes in NYC!