The NHLPA is expected to "decline to trigger the escalator for next season, thus creating a flat salary cap right around the current" $73M for the '17-18 season, according to Larry Brooks of the N.Y. POST. However, the NHLPA is "not going to create the flat cap," as the NHL "will have done that by generating essentially no revenue growth over the past year." The players are "picking their poison, choosing to go with a flat cap that restricts choices for free agents rather than creating a scenario under which escrow losses escalate." The addition of the expansion Golden Knights has "altered the equation for at least this time around." Flatlining league revenue is "one of the issues at the forefront of concern for a significant number of players and player agents that likely will lead to the installment" of Hockey HOFer Chris Chelios as an "ombudsman to the NHLPA as the union begins its preparation" for likely CBA negotiations in '19-20. Sources said that there "currently are up to a dozen agents who support the idea of forming a committee of active players to buttress the current union administration," though it has been "stressed this does not signal a revolt or an attempt to overthrow" the current leadership of NHLPA Exec Dir Donald Fehr and NHLPA Special Counsel Steve Fehr. Sources also said that there is "widespread frustration" over the fact NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the league were "able to withdraw Olympic participation from the CBA during the Owners' Lockout III negotiations" (N.Y. POST, 6/11).
LINE CHANGE? In Michigan, Ansar Khan noted Chelios, "highly active and outspoken in union matters as a player," is "exploring the possibility of joining" the NHLPA in some capacity. But if there is no fit, Chelios said that he "will return" to the Red Wings as a part-time assistant coach, a role he has had since the '15-16 season. Chelios "hopes to speak with" Donald Fehr next week. Chelios said, "I'm just going through the process with Don Fehr to see if there's any role and if it appeals to me." In '07, Chelios "spearheaded the movement" to fire former NHLPA Exec Dir Ted Saskin, who was "accused of reading players' emails." Chelios helped Donald Fehr become union chief in '10 after "some turbulent times for the NHLPA" (MLIVE.com, 6/10).
