The informational talks that started Saturday are over, according to ESPN’s Katie Strang. The next step, it appears, is for the union to engage in internal meetings.
The NHL breathed new life into the CBA process when they made new concessions in a “comprehensive proposal.” Since then, the union has been gathering information, likely in preparation for a counteroffer.
The league reportedly moved on several key issues in its latest offer. They are now proposing a maximum six-year term limit for contracts, up from five, and a seven-year cap for teams re-signing their own players. The NHL is also proposing a maximum 10% variance in contracts, up from 5% in the old offer.
It’s believed that if all goes well, the season could start on Jan. 19. If things turn sour again, we might lose the 2012-13 campaign entirely.
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