Late last week, the NHL announced interest in taking a two week break from negotiation. However, Sunday, the two sides came to an agreement to start negotiating once more on Monday in hopes of not losing the 2012-13 season.
"We can confirm that we have tentatively agreed to get back together on Monday, either late in the afternoon or early evening," said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. "The meeting was requested by the Union and it's their agenda. We will see what they have to tell us."
The two sides last met on November 11 after almost five straight days of meetings. The lockout is now in its 65th day heading into Monday's negotiations.
Analysis
The NHL seems to have gotten exactly what they wanted. The league has been putting forth the majority of recent propositions and the NHLPA has resorted to shooting each one down and focusing on a pointless PR campaign to win fan support. The problem with that approach is that the fans do not care which side is in the right; they just want their season back.
If Daly's statements are true, then the league has taken back the advantage after offering up a two week break from discussions. A two week break would ultimately end any hopes of a December start and jeopardize the season. The players are starting to lose paychecks and some may be feeling a bit anxious about losing more money if the season is lost. This could potentially create divisions within the Player's Association down the line and damage Executive Donald Fehr's tenure quickly.
If it is true that the NHLPA requested the meeting and have new offers to make, then it is possible that they may finally be willing to concede some of their points. It is hard to say if this meeting will lead to any progress, but it is always better than a two week break and the certainty of no more hockey for a few more weeks.
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