(From CBC.ca)
We’ve reached a point in CBA negotiations where I’m pretty comfortable writing these words: there’s going to be an NHL season. The NHLPA chose not to decertify, the big issues are no longer the main topics of conversation, and the little details are getting hammered out.
Among those “little” details (which are only little in comparison) that need to get rectified are figuring out how you lower the salary cap when teams are already up against a higher one, and how to avoid huge back-diving contracts while allowing owners/GMs to be creative.
Well, those details are being leaked out today, as you see below via People In The Know. It’s looking like teams will be allowed to buyout two players per team, and that variance in year-to-year salary could be as high as 20%, up from the owners initial suggestion of 5%.
Take it away, credible people:
A couple of encouraging details: #NHL has agreed to two compliance buyouts/team in 2013-14; and variance on contracts in 20% range now
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) January 3, 2013
Further to @michaelgrange report about NHL/NHLPA agreeing to 2 compliance buyouts per team, word is they will count against HRR but not cap. — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 3, 2013
That is quite the concession from players…proof that NHL was going to hold firm on money being “outside the system.” But, remember… — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 3, 2013
“Nothing is done until everything is done,” as one source says. — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 3, 2013
Okay, so things are coming along. Those amnesty buyouts would occur during the summer after the 2012-13 season – er, sorry, just the 2013 season – and would allow teams to buyout players they feel aren’t worth the money they’re being paid (a nice deal for the bought-out player, really, as bad as it looks on them). We’ve suggested which players may get bought out before here.
So what are the other sticking points right now?
Year 2 salary cap remains huge issue. NHL still wants $60 M. NHLPA willing to do $65 M. League doesn’t want cap floor to move up
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) January 3, 2013
Further to @real_espnlebrun. Buyouts still count against players’ share, Players do not like that. Prefer dollars were outside system.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 3, 2013
2nd year cap, term on contracts and pension remain the most significant “open” issues as CBA talks set to resume this morning in NYC. #TSN
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 3, 2013
There are other issues also still to be resolved but the 3 that @darrendreger outlined are the big ones
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) January 3, 2013
So that’s where we’re at today, hockey fans. Keep checking back, as I’ll be updating this post throughout the day.
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UPDATES:
#NHL #CBA news.All #NHLPA members are being told to re vote as early as today to once again give Board authority to disclaim.
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) January 3, 2013
Might as well keep that card in your back pocket, I suppose…
NHLPA executive board will begin the process to have players approval to disclaim if no agreement is concluded by today.
— Renaud Lavoie (@RenLavoieRDS) January 3, 2013
And more on today…
The reality of today in the CBA talks… There is a real chance that there are no meetings today. #NHL#NHLPA
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 3, 2013
Sure, why talk? I’ll just assume they’re sooo close and there’s sooo much time left that there’s no rush.
Sorry Justin, but this isn’t the first time you have been overly optimistic. It is good they are talking and actually working out details instead of rhetoric for a change but I agree completely with Elliotte, nothing is done until everything is done. Just a couple days ago the guys in the know were tweeting a major stumbling block could be pensions and there has been nada about that since which means to me it is not solved.
Having said all that I had the chance of a seaon at 0% a couple of months ago and I would say 50/50 now so a case for optimism can be made. But to state there WILL be a season? Bit of a stretch still in my opinion.. which of course really means nothing:)
I’m right to be optimistic, as I have been all along. It’s happening, it just had to be pushed to the end. Admittedly, I was wrong for thinking it may not have to go to the bitter end.
I admire your glass is half full attitude. I honestly do and I hope you are correct.
But I am curious about one thing. How much of your attitude is because you really miss the NHL and how much of it is because your job is tied to it. I don’t mean to sound snarky in that comment I am just curious.
Personally I am tired of the rhetoric and BS from both sides and if the NHL dried up and drifted off into the anals of history I wouldn’t bat an eye. I am enjoying watching junior hockey locally and on tv just fine.
I think I’m capable of noting that I miss the NHL and it’d be better for my job if it were to be around, but still admit if things were bleak. Fortunately for me, right now, they really aren’t.
Fair enough. Thanks for the reply Justin. I hope you guys keep up the Vodcast formula when the NHL starts up again. I have enjoyed the discussions on the world jrs you three have done.
I have been hearing the 19th as a start date for some time now. Things seem to be moving in the right direction – and neither side can really afford to lose another season. I’m 90% sure there will be a season…it’s just a matter of how much head butting Bettman and Fehr do between now and when an agreement is made.
Really? Dreger? Come on Bourne, I thought his tweets were to only be used as punch lines for jokes.
Bye bye Horcoff, albeit three seasons late.
bye bye gomez and komi also
2 buyouts? jesus.