DAR130 wrote:
Most people are predicting some form of a lockout but after what happened a few years ago they would be stupid to lose a whole season again.
I'd agree with that and I am suprised there is such an impasse at the minute between the owners & NHLPA. The last lockout seriously damaged the sports reputation and attendances which has taken until the last couple of seasons to get back to where they where before.
It does seem less and less likely an agreement will be in place before september and the owners/NHL have now delared that unless there is a new CBA in place by Sept 15th there will be a lock according to Gary Bettmans statement out even though Head of NHLPA Don Fehr had said the union is open to continuing talks beyond Sept 15th if no deal is reached, and entering the season under the current system.
Just find it hard to believe its looks set for a lockout after the damage the last one did. Have to say I don't know which party is right/wrong but it looks like its down to 3 main issues the NHL wanting to cut the players revenue % share by 14%, limit contract lengths and remove players arbitration.
So it looks like a lockout unless some serious negotiations take place and either one or both sides soften on their demands as both sides say there is a huge gulf between them!!!
