NHL fans will not be getting any surprise gifts from the NHL or NHLPA. The two sides have not met in the last few days and legal battles are set to mount over the next few weeks.
However, a number of reports indicate that the two sides could be meeting again Wednesday or Thursday in attempts to save the season before the January 15 deadline. According to Larry Brooks of The New York Post, "negotiations are expected to resume either Wednesday or Thursday." According to Eklund of Hockeybuzz, the two sides held secret meetings today to get a few minor issues organized and will likely do the same tomorrow.
The league and NHLPA are still at odds regarding the length of the collective bargaining agreement and the lengths of player contracts. The league wants a 10 year CBA with an eight year opt-out while the players want an eight year CBA with a six-year opt out. Owners want player contracts to be limited to five years, while players want at least seven year contracts.
Over the weekend the NHLPA held a vote on whether they would like to disclaim interest. The final tally favored the disclaimer by a vote of 706 in favor and 22 against the motion. The board of the NHLPA still has until Jan.2 to decide whether to disclaim interest, but it looks like the Union is interested in attempting one more round of negotiations with the league to avoid further extending the process.
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