The NHL lockout took its first positive step in a long time when the NHLPA decided not to disclaim interest.
The move would have dissolved the union and enabled the players to file antitrust lawsuits against the league. The Union had until midnight last night to file the motion, but the union was still representing the players late into the night.
The two sides have been negotiating for a few days now and it seems that ample progress has been made. The NHL extended a new offer to the Union on Christmas even with numerous concessions and the union has responded with their own counter-offer. According to Darren Dreger of TSN, "2nd year cap, term on contracts and pension remain the most significant 'open' issues as CBA talks set to resume this morning in NYC." Additionally, the owners want the new complaince buyout provision to count against the players' share, a fact that the union is not happy about.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman did not openly remark on the issues in contention but stated, "There has been some progress, but we're still apart on a number of issues... as long as the process continues, I am hopeful."
"The parties moved closer together on some issues but there is still a ways to go if an agreement can be reached, and we'll consider where we are in the morning and figure out what we do next," NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr stated.
The League and players have been in lockout since September and must figure out a deal before Jan. 14 if they hope to save the season. Bettman has stated that the season must start on Jan. 19 if there is any hopes of playing a 48 game schedule.
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