The NHL and NHLPA this winter are expected to begin negotiations for a new CBA, with the current deal expiring after the '11-12 season, and it remains to be seen if these "will be contentious talks," according to Andrew Gross of the Bergen RECORD. One year away from the "nitty-gritty time, there's optimism they won't be." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, "The good news, from my standpoint, is that it's too early to focus on collective bargaining, particularly since the other sports leagues have to go first." Gross reports the NHLPA Exec Board will meet June 27-30 in Quebec, and NHLPA Exec Dir Donald Fehr "will then hold a series of smaller meetings in several cities later this summer to gauge what issues most concern the players." The "glaring" issue is escrow payments, as players "currently put 17 percent of their paychecks into an escrow account in case NHL revenues don't match projections -- and hate doing so." One other "potential major issue regarding long-term contracts -- the 'Ilya Kovalchuk Rule' -- has been addressed." NHL Network contributor and former NHLer Bobby Holik said, "I don't see the PA having much leverage anymore because the loss of the battle last time was so traumatic. Let's face it, the money is great for the players who matter. But it's a huge difference between the top players and for the average and below in salary. How do you stay in the same pact where people don't drift in the direction of their own interests?" Gross notes other than that, the "list of issues for the upcoming talks are not as clearly defined," and as a result, "there's reasonable optimism a work stoppage can be avoided" (Bergen RECORD, 6/17).
ENDING ON A SOUR NOTE: In Phoenix, Dan Bickley wrote, "Too often, the NHL creates the wrong kind of headlines. Take Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Instead of wrapping the season in a wonderful bow, the NHL produced a dull game; endured an embarrassing post-game presentation from Commissioner Gary Bettman; and cringed as riotous knuckleheads in Vancouver besmirched the city's sparkling image." The "thick, merciless booing of Bettman was a sorry breach of etiquette from Vancouver fans that should've shown a little restraint in a ceremonial moment" (AZCENTRAL.com, 6/16).
