The NHL and its players’ association again conducted lengthy and reportedly meaningful talks today in New York. The sides met in a secret location for nearly six hours after talking for seven Tuesday.
Neither side provided an update upon conclusion of the talks tonight. They said they will meet again Thursday.
Revenue sharing among teams was reportedly a main topic of discussion. The union’s previous proposals have urged the NHL to boost cash flow from money-making teams to struggling organizations. Though the league’s most recent offer increased revenue sharing to $200 million annually, the total was still well short of the players’ goal.
According to the New York Post, the NHL has shown a willingness to back off its proposed five-year limit on contracts. The newspaper also reported the sides discussed amnesty buyouts. Following the 2004-05 lockout, teams were given six days to terminate and buy out player contracts.
The sides also reportedly discussed the NHL’s “make whole” concept, which would repay players’ salaries at a later date in the event they are trimmed in the early years of a new CBA. There has been disagreement over how the program would be funded.
---John Vogl
