NHL and NHLPA Break Off Negotiations on New CBA
By Scott Drain
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE
A new CBA will not be soon in coming if today’s meeting by the NHLPA and NHL is any indicator. “We are nowhere close. ” “I don’t know what the next step is.” “I am, to say at the least totally disappointed.” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Today’s meeting lasted less than an hour with no new meetings immediately scheduled. The NHLPA’s Donald Fehr says “Today is not a good day.” Fehr says NHL rejected all NHLPA proposals within 10 minutes. Sidney Crosby, one of the players in the negotiationg session said, “That doesn’t seem like a group that’s willing to negotiate” The NHL says they are only willing to work off its Tuesday October 15th offer. Players want all current contracts including those signed just days before the lockout to be honored by owners. Sounds reasonable doesn’t it? Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold apparently wants out of honoring $98 million dollar, 13 year contracts he signed with Zach Parise and Ryan Suter this summer. More regular season games are now in jeopardy along with the Winter Classic. The league previously set a deadline for a new CBA agreement 0f October 25. With a one week training camp with regular season games beginning on November 2nd. That would have allowed for a full 82 game regular season with the Stanley Cup Playoff ending in late June. The NHL’s outright rejection of all three of the NHLPA’s offers and claim they will only negotiate on their offer made on the 15th means this lockout may end later rather than sooner. Once again its the fans, team employees, arena employees, area businesses and their employees who are the biggest losers. More layoffs are sure to come across the board. Anger among fans is growing with some claiming they will never again buy a ticket to a NHL game. Sales of NHL merchadise are falling and fewer fans are wearing the items they already own. Over the next few days we’re sure to see lots of accusations and spin taking place as the two sides fight it out in the court of public opinion. Here at Gone Puck Wild we’ll be keeping track of developments and keep Minnesota Wild fans informed.