New York, NY (Sports Network) - The NHL and NHLPA resumed negotiations
Tuesday, as the two sides continue to search for a resolution to the NHL
lockout.
Following a two-hour meeting, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly didn't have
encouraging news.
"No progress was made," said Daly, who indicated that talks Tuesday centered
around hockey-related revenue. "Their general position is not to create
certainty on some issues and to kick other issues to the resolution of the
main issues."
After meeting for three straight days over the weekend, both sides took a step
back on Monday to have internal discussions concerning a new collective
bargaining agreement before getting back together on Tuesday.
"Today wasn't overly encouraging, that's for sure" lamented Daly on Tuesday.
"We're looking for a long-term deal that's fair for the players, fair for the
teams and good for the fans. That's what we want out of this negotiation and
we need a negotiating partner to get there."
No additional discussions have been scheduled.
"I would imagine we'll be in touch over the next little while," Daly added.
"If it makes sense to meet, we'll meet."
NHLPA special counsel Steve Fehr did not speak with reporters after leaving
the conference.
The league has already canceled the entire preseason and regular-season games,
which are slated to start Oct. 11, may be next on the chopping block.
"We'll make an appropriate decision at the appropriate time," Daly said about
the regular season. "We're still focused on doing what we can to minimize the
damage. By losing our preseason, we've probably done close to $100 million in
damage to the business that's not going to be recouped. That's going to cost
both sides, and that's unfortunate, but it's a reality of where we are."
The owners locked out the players when the previous CBA expired at 11:59 p.m.
(ET) on Sept. 15. Friday brought the first formal negotiating session since
the lockout began.
Money, specifically revenues earmarked to players, remains at the center of
the controversy. Under the expired CBA, players received 57 percent of hockey
revenue. Owners reportedly want to reduce that number to as low as 47 percent.
The Sports Network