Madferret
7-04-05, 9:18 PM
NHL talks winding down?
CBC Sports
Many Americans had Monday off for the Fourth of July holiday, while the NHL and players' union were busy putting together what some hockey observers believe is the finishing touches on a new collective bargaining agreement.
It's expected NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will announce a new collective bargaining agreement in the next few days. (CP File Photo)
Numerous media outlets have been reporting that a deal could be announced sometime this week, bringing an end to the 10-month lockout.
The two sides wrapped up a negotiation session on Thursday and were expected to hold internal discussions throughout the weekend.
Lawyers from both parties have been drafting the agreement as talks progress. Once a deal is done, it would be sent to the league's board of governors and NHL Players' Association for ratification.
Progress has reportedly been made over the last few weeks on issues such as free agency, salary arbitration, qualifying offers, entry-level contracts, rules changes, drug testing and Olympic participation. It appears the upper limit of a team-by-team salary cap will be between $36 million and $38 million US, including benefits. The players rejected a proposal in February that included a $42 million salary cap.
The NHL and NHLPA have failed to negotiate a new CBA since commissioner Gary Bettman locked the players out last Sept. 15. With no deal in place, Bettman cancelled the 2004-05 season on Feb. 16. It's believed there will be a down period on transactions once an agreement is in place, so everyone involved can digest the language of what is expected to be the most complex CBA in sport and make decisions on buyouts and qualifying offers.
As well, the July 1 league-wide free agency date likely will be pushed up a month. A feeding frenzy is expected as most of the NHL's 30 teams have fewer than 10 veteran players on their roster. And at some point, probably in early August, the 2005 NHL Entry Draft will be held.
Next few days as in this week..July 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th ?
CBC Sports
Many Americans had Monday off for the Fourth of July holiday, while the NHL and players' union were busy putting together what some hockey observers believe is the finishing touches on a new collective bargaining agreement.
It's expected NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will announce a new collective bargaining agreement in the next few days. (CP File Photo)
Numerous media outlets have been reporting that a deal could be announced sometime this week, bringing an end to the 10-month lockout.
The two sides wrapped up a negotiation session on Thursday and were expected to hold internal discussions throughout the weekend.
Lawyers from both parties have been drafting the agreement as talks progress. Once a deal is done, it would be sent to the league's board of governors and NHL Players' Association for ratification.
Progress has reportedly been made over the last few weeks on issues such as free agency, salary arbitration, qualifying offers, entry-level contracts, rules changes, drug testing and Olympic participation. It appears the upper limit of a team-by-team salary cap will be between $36 million and $38 million US, including benefits. The players rejected a proposal in February that included a $42 million salary cap.
The NHL and NHLPA have failed to negotiate a new CBA since commissioner Gary Bettman locked the players out last Sept. 15. With no deal in place, Bettman cancelled the 2004-05 season on Feb. 16. It's believed there will be a down period on transactions once an agreement is in place, so everyone involved can digest the language of what is expected to be the most complex CBA in sport and make decisions on buyouts and qualifying offers.
As well, the July 1 league-wide free agency date likely will be pushed up a month. A feeding frenzy is expected as most of the NHL's 30 teams have fewer than 10 veteran players on their roster. And at some point, probably in early August, the 2005 NHL Entry Draft will be held.
Next few days as in this week..July 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th ?