NHL & NHLPA reach a tentative agreement on framework of the a new CBA, after a marathon 16 hours negotiating session , the sides announced an agreement in principle shortly after 6 am Sunday.
Showing posts with label cba negotiations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cba negotiations. Show all posts
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Friday, December 21, 2012
Games Cancelled Thru Jan. 14th, Finland Beats Canada, More...
T.G.I.F. HabsAddicts
Thursday afternoon, the National Hockey League made the long anticipated announcement that games would be cancelled through January 14th, 2013. To date, 625 total games have been cancelled. It's expected that, while the NHL will not admit to it, this may very well be the last set of games cancelled before the entire season is scrapped.
Although NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly affirmed that there would be hockey this season in an interview with Elliotte Friedman on Wednesday, hope continues to dwindle.
Meanwhile, the league and NHL fans await, with angst and trepidation, the results of player voting to decide if the NHLPA will pursue its "disclaimer of interest." Should the union get the necessary 66% support from its members, expect that paper will be filed as earlier as Friday afternoon in the State of California.
Habs and Hockey News and Notes:
- Team Canada lost its first of two preparatory games versus Team Finland on Thursday morning. In a report on TSN.ca, the Fins took advantage of Canada's undisciplined play to give them an early wake up call before the WJHC begins on Boxing Day.
- Montreal Canadiens' top draft choice in 2012, Alex Galchenyuk was held off the scoresheet in a 3-2 overtime victory by Team U.S.A. over Sweden. That said, Habs' General Manager Marc Bergavin assured U.S.A. Hockey that Galchenyuk would remain in Russia regardless of the lockout situation.
- First U.S. President Barrack Obama chimed in, now CBC Sports tell us how Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper admitted that the NHL is treading in dangerous territory in its latest labour dispute.
- Unlike most NHL players, the lockout has only just begun for Habs' winger Rene Bourque, due to an abdominal injury he sustained during the off-season. Stu Cowan of Hockey Inside/out has the details.
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of the HabsAddicts out there are very Happy Holiday season, and all the best for a healthy and prosperous 2013. GO HABS GO!!!
Thursday afternoon, the National Hockey League made the long anticipated announcement that games would be cancelled through January 14th, 2013. To date, 625 total games have been cancelled. It's expected that, while the NHL will not admit to it, this may very well be the last set of games cancelled before the entire season is scrapped.Although NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly affirmed that there would be hockey this season in an interview with Elliotte Friedman on Wednesday, hope continues to dwindle.
Meanwhile, the league and NHL fans await, with angst and trepidation, the results of player voting to decide if the NHLPA will pursue its "disclaimer of interest." Should the union get the necessary 66% support from its members, expect that paper will be filed as earlier as Friday afternoon in the State of California.
Habs and Hockey News and Notes:
- Team Canada lost its first of two preparatory games versus Team Finland on Thursday morning. In a report on TSN.ca, the Fins took advantage of Canada's undisciplined play to give them an early wake up call before the WJHC begins on Boxing Day.
- Montreal Canadiens' top draft choice in 2012, Alex Galchenyuk was held off the scoresheet in a 3-2 overtime victory by Team U.S.A. over Sweden. That said, Habs' General Manager Marc Bergavin assured U.S.A. Hockey that Galchenyuk would remain in Russia regardless of the lockout situation.
- First U.S. President Barrack Obama chimed in, now CBC Sports tell us how Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper admitted that the NHL is treading in dangerous territory in its latest labour dispute.
- Unlike most NHL players, the lockout has only just begun for Habs' winger Rene Bourque, due to an abdominal injury he sustained during the off-season. Stu Cowan of Hockey Inside/out has the details.
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of the HabsAddicts out there are very Happy Holiday season, and all the best for a healthy and prosperous 2013. GO HABS GO!!!
Friday, September 28, 2012
NHL - NHLPA Talks Resume, Habs on Players' Tour, More
As you probably know, talks between the NHL and NHLPA are set to resume today. In fact, officials from both sides have blocked off the whole weekend for negotiations.
On top of that, rumor has it — okay, Eklund has it — that the NHLPA may even have an offer up its sleeve, and a good one at that. Apparently, they would be ready to drop-down the cap next year to around 55%, with it progressively going down each year until it settles around 50%.
Although the league cancelled the rest of its exhibition schedule, there may be reasons for hope yet.
Who knows, we may even see a last minute deal to get the season going.
Or at least the two sides negotiating past happy hour.
Habs and Hockey News
- Andrei Markov, Brian Gionta and Josh Gorges participated in a exhibition game of locked-out NHLers.
- Alex Létourneau of HabsWorld takes a look back at the Montreal Canadiens of the last lockout in 2004-05. Elsewhere, Eric Engels has ten wishes for the Habs, should they set foot on the ice this year.
- John Tavares seems set to sign with Bern and join his Islanders' teammate Mark Streit.
- Adam Proteau of The Hockey News presents an 11-point plan to end the lockout.
- Pierre Lebrun looks at how GMs are spending their time during the quiet days of a work stoppage.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
NHL Players Abroad, Labor Talks, Hamilton Bulldogs and More
NHL players are making their exodus towards Europe.
Joe Thornton and Rick Nash are returning to HC Davos in Switzerland. Both played — and won — there in 2004-05.
Meanwhile, Evegeni Malkin, Nail Yakupov, Ilya Kovalchuk and Nikolai Kulemin are KHL bound. Quite an influx of talent to the world's second best league.
As for Montreal Canadiens, Raphael Diaz will rejoin his former Swiss club EV Zug, Yannick Weber is heading for Geneva-Servette and Tomas Plekanec is Czech Republic bound.
TSN has a complete list here.
Personally, I think I would sign somewhere a bit off the hockey map and take the time to really experience a different culture.
Where would you sign during a lockout?
Habs and Hockey News
- The Habs have sent down 21 players to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL. HabsWorld has a comprehensive look at the Bulldogs roster situation.
- As labor talks stall between the NHL and NHLPA, Ken Campbell argues that the league missed its chance to bury the players in 2005.
- USA Today considers the impact the lockout could have on the young NBC Sports Network.
- Qualifications for the 2014 Sochi Olympics have begun.
(Photo via Ssolbergj/Wikipedia)
Friday, September 14, 2012
Andrei Kostitsyn to KHL?, NHL CBA Update, Habs Management and More
This morning it appears that former Montreal Canadiens' forward Andrei Kostitsyn is heading to the KHL. At least according to reports out of Russia, he has signed a one-year deal with Traktor Chelyabinsk.
I realize AK46 is one streaky player, but he is someone who can regularly deliver 20 goals, 40 points and over a 100 hits.
While lesser players continuously get opportunities to live up to their potential, it is baffling that no NHL team saw fit to take a chance on him.
In situations like this, I can't help but think the bias against Russians is clearly in play. Then again, how progressive can a league run by rich, white men actually be?
Habs and Hockey News
- Hockey Inside/Out introduces us to the Habs' new management team.
- In CBA news — which, I suspect, you are all sick and tired of — both sides are pretty much blaming the other. Gary Bettman and the owners agree on a lockout. Donald Fehr says it can be avoided and it's the owner's fault.
- ESPN.com continues its strong CBA coverage. Scott Burnside profiles Donald Fehr's role as union chief and Katie Strang looks at how the players are forming a united front.
- Elsewhere, USA Today has an insightful history of the current labor stalemate.
- The looming lockout is already impacting employees of NHL teams. For example, Montreal is imposing a four-day work week. Not the worst fate in the world I suppose. You know, unless you needed that extra day of salary to, I don't know, pay the bills.
- Famed Swedish club Djugardens was relegated to the second division last season. The IIHF's Henrik Manninen previews the team's upcoming journey back to the top division.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Josh Gorges Profile, Max Pacioretty, Lokomotiv and More
Despite whispers of low-key talks being held today, the NHL and NHLPA both seem far apart on a deal.
In fact, both sides have begun acknowledging the possibility of a lockout — including the Winnipeg Jets.
So, what will you do to get your hockey fix if the world's best league turns of its lights?
Habs and Hockey News
- Our Sean Lloyd returns with his Montreal Canadiens' player profiles, this time looking at Josh Gorges.
- EOTP counts down the top Habs under 25. In fact, they are now entering the final two with Max Pacioretty. Wonder who made number one?
- It appears Shane Doan has a deal in place with the Phoenix Coyotes, so long as the team gets sold to Greg Jamison.
- Stu Hackel argues there is still hope in spite of the pessimism surrounding CBA talks.
- The IIHF reflects on the Lokomotiv plane crash. Likewise, the aforementioned Stu Hackel also recently had a piece on the subject.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Young RFAs, P.K Subban, Alexei Emelin and More
Well, the last few days — here and here — I've been in a decidedly ranting mood for the morning news.
Today, not so much. Instead, I think I'll just let the morning links speak for themselves.
But, before I do, tell me, is there anything you would like to rant about? If so, please share!
Habs and Hockey News
- Bob McKenzie reports on how the expiry of the current CBA can impact young RFAs, including P.K Subban. Speaking of P.K, apparently he is quite concerned about how fans will react to another lockout.
- HabsWorld continues its Fantasy Focus. After looking at Brandon Prust a few days ago, the gang turns to another hard hitter in Alexei Emelin.
- Another PK, this time former NHLPA director Paul Kelly, also shares his views on the current labor strife.
- Over at The Hockey News, Ryan Kennedy sheds some light on the recently formed but otherwise secretive CHL Players Association. Oh, and don't forget, former Hab Georges Laraque is the association's head.
- The Ottawa Senators have re-signed forward Zack Smith to a four-year deal with an average value of about $1.89 million.
Monday, September 3, 2012
CBA Talks, Overpaid NHLers, Summit Series and More
Happy Labour Day hockey fans!
Speaking of labour, as you well now by now CBA talks between the NHL and NHLPA have been put on hold and no further sessions are currently scheduled.
Naturally, each side went into blame mode, quickly trying to assign responsibility to the other group for the stalling of the talks.
If these negotiations have show us anything, it's that both sides believe it is of capital importance to win the public relations battle. As Scott Burnside accurately points out, it's high time to get over right or wrong.
Could not agree more with his assessment. The blame game is superfluous and counterproductive. Besides, from my perspective, everyone involved here is an idiot equally deserving of blame — especially if there is another lockout.
Because, clearly, if you can't find a way to divvy up over $3 billion in revenues made from playing a mere game, then you are an idiot.
Meanwhile, fans risk the loss of their beloved sport. And those in the many related industries — arenas, operations, food and beverage, writing — risk losing some of their livelihood.
Habs and Hockey News
- Our Fred Poulin lists the NHL's top 20 overpaid players. We all know Scott Gomez is there, but two other former Habs made his list as well. Can you guess who?
- HabsWorld's Fantasy Focus continues, looking Danish centre Lars Eller.
- Red Fisher takes a look back at the Summit Series, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary today.
- Famed Yugoslavian club Acroni Jesenice — winner of 32 league titles — has folded. Their junior club notably included Anze Kopitar amongst its alumni.
- You know how the Phoenix Coyotes were supposed to move, like, 25 times so far? As USA Today points out, the beleaguered franchise has some pretty incredible staying power.
- Finally, USA today takes a look at some fan-lead campaigns against an NHL Lockout.
(Photo Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America)
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Top Ten Captains, 72 Series Anniversary, Phil Esposito Interview And More...
With the CBA talks on hold and another two weeks before we reach Shane Doan's self imposed signing deadline, there is not so much happening in the NHL world.
Speaking of Doan, NHL.com composed a list of the league's top ten Captains with Doan starting things off at number ten.
The list also includes the likes of Steve Yzerman, Ray Bourque, Sidney Crosby, Joe Sakic and more. It's hard to argue with some of the names on the list, however the order is sure to cause a debate.
What order would you put these captains? Are there any on the list you would replace?
Habs and Hockey News
- Today marks the 40th anniversary of game one of the epic 1972 summit series between Canada and the U.S.S.R. Canada went into the series expecting to walk all over the Soviets only to get trounced 7-3 in the opening game.
- While on the subject, here's an interview Phil Esposito did with Russian international news agency RIA Novosti.
- Over at The Hockey Writers, Justin Johnson does a piece on why it's so important that the player's refrain from caving to the owners this time around.
- And finally, just over a year after riots broke out in Vancouver following the team's game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins in the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, three riot suspects have been tracked in the U.S.
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)
Friday, August 31, 2012
Montreal Canadiens Grades, CBA Talks, Gallagher, Eberle and More
Recently, Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated has been doling out grades to the 30 NHL teams for their off-season performance.
Naturally, teams like the Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes ranked near the top of the class.
As for the Montreal Canadiens, they were given a B-minus by Mr. Muir.
The Habs did not make a huge splash in any one area, but they did add some sandpaper, retained some key players and held a widely praised draft.
I would certainly give that a B myself. What about you? How would you grade Habs' management this summer?
Habs and Hockey News
- As it turns out, no CBA talks were held yesterday. Apparently, they are slated to resume today - Friday. The aforementioned Allan Muir has some notes about the discussions and other league happenings.
- Habs Eyes on the Prize continue their countdown of the organization's top players under 25. Today, they focus on diminutive winger Brendan Gallagher.
- The Edmonton Oilers have locked-up winger Jordan Eberle to a six-year, $36 million exension.
- Over at The Hockey News, Ryan Kennedy profiles the ever-underdog Columbus Blue Jackets.
- Here is a story I did not know about. Three forwards for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds's were recently charged and are not attending their team's training camp. Rather, as per USA Today, the trio is attending counselling.
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Sam Pollock, NHL's New Offer, Tomas Kaberle, Trading Cards and More
More and more, we are hearing talk of players' potential "Plan Bs" should there be a lockout this season.
In 2004-05, players largely fled to Europe, not only populating the continent's top circuits — Sweden, Finland and Switzerland — but also going to more unusual hockey markets such as France, Italy and Norway.
I suppose that, if you had a year to play in any league on the planet, you might use that opportunity to work and live a beat of the beaten hockey track.
Where would chose to go?
Habs and Hockey News
- Our Derek Lachine takes a cool look back at Sam Pollock's manoeuvring to bring Guy Lafleur to the Habs. Clearly, this kind of stuff would not happen nowadays.
- HabsWorld continues their Fantasy Focus series, today resting their attention on the less-than-popular Tomas Kaberle. Personally, I liked his acquisition and, with 22 points in 43 games, he did his part offensively even though the powerplay never clicked.
- Hockey Inside/Out look at the still unsigned P.K Subban.
- The Hockey News has a video interview with Nathan Beaulieu.
- The NHL's top prospects — including Montreal's Alex Galchenyuk — were in Toronto to shoot photos for 2012-13 trading cards.
- Gary Bettman and the NHL owners have submitted a new, less demanding proposal to the NHLPA. Still something the PA is likely to reject, the cap demands are far less onerous.
- The IIHF interview Marc Crawford, who recently signed a two-year deal to coach the Zurich Lions.
- THN's Rory Bolen shares his thoughts on a variety of subjects, including Taylor Hall's new deal and the CBA.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
NHL to Make Offer, Plan Bs, Time For Phoenix Coyotes and More
Talks between the NHL and NHLPA are set to resume today, with the NHL reportedly getting ready to present a new offer.
Part of me fully expects some form of lockout at this point. But I also harbour this foolishly optimistic notion that the League could present a decent proposal, a starting point from which to work from.
Wishful thinking, no doubt.
Habs and Hockey News
- Speaking of potential lockouts, a few more players have spoken out on their potential plans should their be a lockout. ESPN's Morning Links also features a few stories on the subject.
- Seems potential Phoenix Coyotes owner Greg Jamison still needs more time to finalize his attempt to purchase the beleaguered franchise. This is truly turning into the Neverending Story....
- The Hockey News wraps up its annual predictions, revealing their pick for top spot in each conference. Speaking of predictions, USA Today compares the ever-connected Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings. Their conclusion? Nashville should come out on top.
- Habs Eyes On The Prize continues its look at the best Canadiens under 25, today looking at number ten, Sebastien Collberg.
- Here is quirky story out of Sweden, courtesy of USA Today. Apparently, a star in Sweden's Third Division intentionally punched his coach, therefore being released from his contract with the team which in turn allowed him to sign in the Second Division. In any case, the story is worth reading — especially for the pun at the end of it.
- Finally, don't forget to look at Amos Legault's interesting retrospective on the NHL's old goaltending rules.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Negotiation News, Young Habs, Free Agents, CHL and More
Wow. I know this is not hockey related, but it is quite the bombshell that Lance Armstrong has given up his fight against the US Anti Doping Agency (USADA) and now runs the risk of being striped of his Tour de France titles.
I'm not at all sure what to make of this news. But, although I don't care about cycling at all, I somehow find this to be both an intriguing and disheartening tale.
Anyway, enough of my coffee-less ramblings. Off to to the news.
Habs and Hockey News
- Hockey Inside/Out looks back at the 2004-04 Lockout. As for 2012, the league and players met again briefly yesterday and more meetings are scheduled for next week. Stu Hackel at Sports Illustrated wonders if a stalemate is at hand?
- Eyes on the Prize continues its countdown of the best Montreal Canadiens under 25 years old.
- The boys at ESPN discuss the best free-agent acquisitions of the summer.
- Adam Proteau of The Hockey News discusses the creation of a CHL Players Association. Also over at THN, their daily predictions continue, this time looking at number three and four in each conference.
- Finally, as if the Columbus Blue Jackets were not already enough of a farce, Kristian Huselius is blaming the organization for his slow recovery from a chest muscle injury.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Arm Chair GM, Taylor Hall Extension, Talks Cancelled and More
It's kind of funny that some of the owners claim to be losing money, especially when small market teams like the Edmonton Oilers start tossing significant amounts of cash around.
As you probably know, they just signed Taylor Hall to a seven-year, $42 million extension. That represents a $6 million cap hit.
Obviously, some teams need help, but at this point it feels like the NHL is crying wolf.
Habs and Hockey News
- Bryan Willey plays arm chair GM with the Montreal Canadiens and makes some pretty interesting trades.
- Rene Bourque is the topic of HabsWorld's Fantasy Focus series today. Also, be sure to Sean Lloyd's profile on the winger.
- Eric Engels has some notes on the Montreal Canadiens.
- Josh Gorges was apparently vocal at a recent NHLPA meeting. As for actual CBA negotiations, some talks were held yesterday, but the main session was cancelled. They should resume as planned today. Meanwhile, at Sports Illustrated, Stu Hackel breaks down why some owners are so staunchly opposed to revenue sharing.
- Antero Nittymaki is returning home and has signed to play with TPS Turku is the Finnish league. If that team sounds familiar to some of you, that's because Saku and Mikko Koivu played there as well.
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Max Pacioretty's New Contract and an NHL CBA Update
Late last night, he continued fortifying the foundation of his team by inking star winger, Max Pacioretty, to a six-year deal.
By signing Pacioretty to an extension one full calendar year before his current contract expires, Bergevin continues to show that he is night to his predecessors' day.
One of the many things that boiled fans' blood during the Bob Gainey and Pierre Gauthier years, was their unwillingness to negotiate with players during the season. That and they would almost always wait till the player's contract had expired before discussing an extension.
That is such an old school, antiquated way of running business and the result was that Montreal, more often than not, lost free agent players for nothing.
I cannot overstate how important it is to maximize all of your assets in the salary cap era, and the previous regime's strategy almost always failed at this crucial task.
This move by Bergevin shows that the new regime truly understands the modern game.
Good for you, good for me...
The deal itself is for $27 million over six seasons or an average cap hit of $4.5 million per year.
As @nickcanhaztweet said to me on Twitter:
"I love it! If Pac continues to develop, its a steal. If he plateaus as a 30/60 player, its market value! Awesome signing!"
Not only is Bergevin locking in what he's identified as a key building block for this team—as he did with Carey Price only a few weeks ago—but he is getting fair to excellent value on the contract.
Pacioretty showed last season that he was a 30-plus goal and 60-plus point player. Granted, he only did so for one season but all indications are that he is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of.
The possibility of Pacioretty being a 40-goal, 80-point man is very real and if he can hit those kind of numbers, Bergevin is going to look like a genius. The bottom line, however, is that the contract is still good value even if Patches produces at the same rate he did last season.
So while I agree with my friend, @nickcanhaztweet, I won't go so far as to say it's a steal. But it's definitely a fair deal for both sides and could end up being a great one for the Habs.
On the CBA front
32 days.
That is how long the league and the players have left to iron out a new collective bargaining agreement, before Gary Bettman and his cronies lock the players out.
Is there enough time? Sure. In theory.
But with both sides stating that there is a "meaningful" gap on the core-economic issues, it's looking more and more like a lockout is inevitable.
That said, today is a very, very important day in determining whether a lockout is ultimately in the cards or not. Why?
Because today the NHLPA finally gives their first counter-proposal to the league.
This proposal has been in the works for weeks and is sure to swing the pendulum far from where the owners want it. But more important than the PA's proposal itself will be how the league reacts to it.
If there is anything that we have learned about Gary Bettman it's that he doesn't like having terms dictated to him. Moreover, his adversarial, condescending, petulant style does not lend to smooth negotiations. Bettman's tact seems to inflame things and creates an adversarial rather than cooperative approach.
So if Bettman and co. don't like what they read—which they undoubtedly will not—we could see a sort of entrenchment by the league.
And that will not lead to anything good.
That being said, and while I am sure that Bettman's proclamation that there will be a lockout if a new deal is not in place by September 15th, you have to think this is a lot of sabre rattling.
I mean, is the league really, truly prepared to scuttle the significant in-roads they have made in the U.S. market over the last five or six years? The game is bigger and more popular in the States than it has ever been at any point in history.
Thanks for Cup winners like Pittsburgh, Boston, Los Angeles and a successful Winter Olympics on North American soil, the U.S. audience (television and otherwise) have embraced the game in droves.
So is the league really willing to thumb their nose at that success, pushing hockey back to it's spot as the bottom feeder in U.S. sports?
Time will tell. For now, however, everyone is waiting with baited breath for the PA's proposal later today.
For what it's worth, I see a lockout as unavoidable at this point because of the league's current stance. That could change, but I think losing part of the season to a lockout is a mere hop, skip and a jump away.
What about you?
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Kamal is Senior Writer/Editor-in-Chief of HabsAddict.com and Montreal Canadiens Blogger on Hockeybuzz.com. Kamal is also an on-air contributor on TSN 990, CJAD, and LiveSport New Zealand.
Follow Kamal on Facebook and Twitter
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Plekanec, Doan update, CBA stall, Alfredson back, Isles and more
It's another sparse NHL news day today. But given that we're into early August, I suppose that's not really surprising.
Nothing new on Subban's contract? Check.
Nothing new on the NHL CBA negotiations? Check.
I suppose one day soon something will happen on both or either front. But, until then, I guess we'll all just have to enjoy the nice weather!
Hockey News
-HabsAddict.com's Amos Legault takes a look at Alex Galchenyuk, and whether he will get a nine-game look at the NHL level.
-The good folks at Habsworld.net turn their fantasy focus to Habs center Tomas Plekanec.
-The Isles sign first-rounder, Griffin Reinhart.
-Alfie's back! The Sens captain has decided to participate in the upcoming season, his 17th. And good for him! He showed last year that he is still an eminently capable player on the ice, so why not sign on for at least one more season?
The Sens and the league will be better for having him in it.
-ESPN and Sportsnet both take looks at the current waiting game in the CBA negotiations.
Anyone else think a lockout, even a short one, is inevitable at this point?
-Lastly, Spector takes a look at what's new on the Shane Doan front. Is it me or does each summer seem to bring an unending waiting game for an ageing veteran?
I'm not sure what that says about the league, if anything. What about you?
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Brooks on CBA negotiations, Dreger on Weber offer, Pens, Rumours and more
Not a lot happening in the NHL this morning. But, alas, these dogs days are killing us all (softly?)
If you're a CBA enthusiast, you'll love Larry Brooks' piece in the New York Post. He "somehow" obtained an internal memo from NHLPA head, Donald Fehr.
The memo details how the league's proposal breaks down in dollars and cents. Interesting stuff, to be sure, and certainly not a deal the PA will be accepting any time soon.
Now, however, comes the fun part as the PA is sure to table a counter proposal soon enough.
I can't wait to see what they fire back with, because whatever it is, it will largely indicate whether we are looking at a long, drawn-out negotiation or not.
My gut tells me that we will be looking at a long process. Moreover, I think we'll lose part of the upcoming season as a result.
What do you think? How do you feel the negotiations will play out?
Hockey News
-The New York Posts Larry Brooks details how the owners want to cut salaries despite rising revenues.
Ya, I'm sure that'll go over well with the PA.
-Down in the swamp, the Devils have re-sign Mark Fayne to a two-year deal.
-TSN's Darren Dreger takes a look at the financial implications of the Preds matching the Flyers' offer sheet on Shea Weber.
Quick note: There's no way the Preds can match. He is gonzo.
-The Pens hired a new team physician. I wonder if this has anything to do with the way Sidney Crosby's concussion was handled.
-Habsworld takes a look at when a third overall pick should start in the NHL.
-And lastly, here is Spector's daily rumour round-up.
(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images North America)
