The NHLPA gave the go-ahead to hand players $10K stipends on Saturday, according to TSN’s Aaron Ward.
This comes at a strategic time, as Sportsnet’s Jesse Spector points out that the players missed what would have been the fourth paycheck of the season on Friday.
That $10K will help - especially for players who are unlikely to make significant amounts overseas thanks to insurance costs - although escrow payments likely made the biggest difference for those collecting little to nothing.
The NHLPA is still mulling over the league’s offer to meet without Donald Fehr and Gary Bettman, so developments like these could make a big difference for guys who haven’t been saving as much as they should.
Some look at this from a grimmer perspective, including CSNNE.com’s Joe Haggerty.
Players digging in for cold winter RT @aaronward_nhl: The NHLPA Executive Board has authorized a $10,000 stipend to all players. #TSN
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) December 1, 2012