Fehr (l) and the NHLPA will hear concerns and questions from players from each team this fallgetty images
Talks about the upcoming expiration of the current NHL CBA are "expected to begin at some point in the coming months, and though there is nothing concrete planned between the NHL and NHLPA right now," there are a "few critical dates each side is keeping in mind," according to Katie Strang of THE ATHLETIC. The NHL has the right to "terminate the current agreement early on Sept. 1, 2019." The NHLPA has the "same opt-out right" two weeks later on Sept. 15. The "prevailing sentiment" is that there are "some tweaks to be made here and there ... but no ground-shifting, wholesale changes necessary." That, "assuming neither side tries for a massive transfer of wealth or change in dollar flow, there is a deal to be made that both sides can live with." NHLPA Exec Dir Don Fehr and the union will "begin their annual player tour in the fall, during which they meet with players from each club to gauge concerns and to answer questions." While no immediate talks between the NHL and NHLPA have "been scheduled of late, the issue of the impending re-openers and the possibility of another lockout are topics expected to be discussed at length." It is "tough to discern" exactly how this situation will "play out, especially with no immediate deadline looming." Among the topics that "appear to be potential sticking points" are hockey-related revenue, escrow, max length contracts and Olympic participation. But there is also a "wild card to consider in the lockout equation," and that is the Seattle expansion franchise that is "expected to be announced soon" (THEATHLETIC.com, 8/20).
