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Rumors turn into reality: Two sides to meet Saturday in New York; NHL, NHLPA both deny reports of agreement or deal being close

Friday, February 18, 2005

Rumors have turned into reality and the rollercoaster ride of NHL labor negotiations is back on track. The NHL and NHLPA are set  to meet in New York Saturday amid reports from The Hockey News that the two sides have agreed in principle on a $45 million salary cap. The NHLPA, however, told CBC Sports Online that reports about a deal being imminent are "absolutely false."  And NHL executive vice-president Bill Daly told Sportsnet the league and PA had not reached an agreement in principle.

THN quoted an unidentified player as saying late Friday that the two sides had reached an agreement on the cap and when he was asked if there was any way he could see a deal not getting done, he responded, "not that I can see. I couldn't possibly imagine the idea that somebody is going to try to make a name for themselves in the last minute here."

After a couple of days of intense rumors, reports started surfacing Friday that the two sides could meet this weekend. Friday evening the NHLPA issued a news release confirming Saturday's meeting with the league.

"Late Thursday night the NHL requested a meeting with NHLPA representatives in New York. Today the NHLPA accepted the invitation and a meeting has been scheduled for Saturday," the PA said in the release.

The meeting was apparently the product of a groundswell of activity that started immediately after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman canceled the season Wednesday afternoon in New York.

Reports are that Phoenix Coyotes managing partner Wayne Gretzky and Pittsburgh Penguins player-owner Mario Lemieux played big roles in organizing the effort to jump start the talks. 

Both Gretzky and Lemieux are expected to be on hand for the talks along with the NHL's Bill Daly and NHLPA's Ted Saskin. The NHLPA's executive committee is expected to be there as well

"I've said all along that the most important thing is coming to an agreement," New Jersey Devils CEO and GM Lou Lamoriello told the Canadian Press. "Even after the season was cancelled it was just so important to get together as soon as possible. And I commend both of them for agreeing to do it and now, get it done."

Several media reports had players talking with teams in an effort to bridge the gap between the last offers put forth by both the league and the NHLPA. Reports of have put a possible player proposal at a salary cap of somewhere between $45 million to $46 million.  That basically splits the difference between the league's last offer of a $42.5 million cap and the NHLPA's offer of $49 million.

Newsday reported a possible offer of a cap at $46 million with a 100 percent luxury tax on payrolls from $42 million to $46 million. There would also be a provision where the cap would drop to $42 million if  more than eight teams hit the $46-million level in the same season.

Some believed the cap would have to be $45 million catch the league's attention.

Bettman, during an interview with ESPN radio on Thursday, said he would keep an open mind about such an offer.

"I'm not telling you I would take the $45 million because we had to stretch to get to $42.5, but if someone is trying to reach out to me in a meaningful way, I wouldn't slam the door on it," Bettman said. "Let's not hold out false hope. That's not fair to our fans. We have run out of time, but there are always opportunities if you leave the door open a crack to talk to see what develops."

If a deal were some how reached over the weekend the season could still start possibly around March 6 or March 7. That could still give the league time to fit in a 28-game schedule and full playoffs.  During the lockout shortened 1994-95 season, many teams played their final 28 games starting about that same time in March.

The Dallas Stars, for example, played their final 28 games starting March 5 and finishing on May 1. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks played their final 28 games from March 7 to May 3 that season.