- TSN: The NHL have made their initial offer to the NHLPA. Renaud Lavoie is reporting some points in the offer include- Reduction of hockey related revenues from 57% to 46%.
– UFA status after 10 years.
– Maximum contract of 5 years.
– No salary arbitration.
– 5 year entry level contracts instead of 3.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The current NHL CBA expires on September 15th.- Not only is the league asking to drop percentages from 57 to 46, they also want to recalculate the definition of Hockey Related Revenue.
– For the max 5 year contracts, signing bonuses would be forbidden and the would have the same salary each year.
– For the 10 years to become a UFA, it wouldn’t take into account age. Current UFA status is 27 years old or after 7 NHL seasons.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “NHL’s initial proposal is just that…the 1st proposal. Players knew it would be heavily one-sided. PA will counter and negotiation starts.” … “I understand the frustration and emotion, but all signs have been pointing to a work stoppage for months. The threat is now real.” … “NHL’s Bill Daly and PA’s Steve Fehr will discuss league proposal between now and Monday. Full group returns to table Wed-Fri in New York.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie’s view on CBA situation: “That is, I was pessimistic to begin with, figured there was no way season starts on time and today’s news only reinforces that sense.” … “That said, it’s July 14. It’s an opening salvo not unexpected insofar as an owners’ Utopian wish list. Let’s see where we’re at Sept. 14.” … “The biggest nut to crack is two-fold: what’s the definition of 100 per cent of Hockey Related Revenue and what share will the players get.” … “I saw @NYP_Brooksie report about proposed re-definition of (shrunken) HRR. If so, that’s not a good sign. Smaller share of a smaller pie.” … “Not saying the other issues — contract term restrictions, UFA, entry level, salary arb — are unimportant, because they are (important)…” … “But the most critical issue is first determining what constitutes HRR and second how it’s divided between owners and players.” … “When NFL/NBA deals were settled at (players’ share of) 50 per cent or less, we knew this was destined to be another “takeaway” negotiation.” … “So there’s going to be a lot of “the sky is falling” forecasts, and maybe it will, but I’ll wait until September to put on my hard hat.”