While there were rumblings earlier tonight, Ottawa Sun reporter Bruce Garrioch confirmed that the next set of CBA meetings will take place on Thursday.
To some that might be a frustrating hesitation since Oct. 25 represents the likely deadline to preserve an 82-game season, but ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun explains that the NHLPA hopes to clarify a “number of points” over the phone on Wednesday.
If you want an idea of what those points might be, TSN’s Aaron Ward provides further details in a series of Tweets:
Per player source,clarification is needed on HRR definition in league proposal,appears in new offer player share is lowered.Also 'salary
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) October 17, 2012
guarantee/protection',to allow to go from 57% to 50%,means players would likely be paid back by themselves,out of their share in the
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) October 17, 2012
future.Possibility a guy could retire,and players still playing, would be bearing burden to pay him back. #TSN
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) October 17, 2012
As Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador points out, there’s still some work to do. It’s not particularly surprising that the NHLPA might want some extra time to examine the offer and develop a counter-point.
Either way, the onus is on the players association and if TSN’s Bob McKenzie is correct, the next week-plus of negotiations could represent a real “roller coaster” of haggling.
Catch up on the CBA specifics below.
Related
More details regarding the offer
When to expect an NHLPA response
Deal must be done by Oct. 25 to preserve 82-game season
Teams would be able to go above salary cap with new offer