Players and owners would want to split revenue evenly from future World CupsGETTY IMAGES
The NHL and NHLPA have "abandoned plans" for a World Cup of Hockey in '20, as they were "unable to find common ground in negotiations ahead of an All-Star weekend deadline," according to Frank Seravalli of TSN.ca. The two sides said that they will "continue dialogue in the hopes of drawing up a long-term international hockey calendar." A future World Cup of Hockey is "certainly a possibility," just not in '20. The NHL in this case was "dead set on avoiding a repeat" of '04 when, two days after the World Cup final, the league "locked out the players" and suspended the '04-05 season. What yesterday's announcement really means is there will be "no quick and dirty extension" to the CBA. But that is "no reason for pessimism" just yet. This development "comes on the heels of rather unprecedented optimism after the two sides met last week in Las Vegas." They might have "simply ran out of time on the World Cup" (TSN.ca, 1/16). The AP's Stephen Whyno noted the '16 World Cup generated revenue that was "split evenly among owners and players, and the goal is to keep that event going with another edition" at a time later than September '20 (AP, 1/16).
SAYING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS: THE ATHLETIC's Pierre LeBrun wrote the NHL and NHLPA seem to be "genuinely hoping to avoid missing games this time around." Under the "auspices of meeting a few times this season to salvage" the World Cup, there has been "spill-over CBA chatter which well, has actually been positive." NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said, "Talking in a substantive and meaningful way this far in advance of contract expiration can only be a good thing." But LeBrun wrote beyond whether there is a World Cup, what has "become much more paramount is the idea that both sides have the bigger picture of the CBA in mind, too, with a decision needed by September on the CBA re-opener" for '20. Sources said that while there are "tweaks that are needed" to the current CBA, "particularly from a players' perspective, there certainly isn't the sense of dread that either side wants an all-out war" (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/15). NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman last week said the league and union are "not looking for a fight," which SPORTSNET.ca's Elliotte Friedman noted "surprised people." One longtime NHLer said, "I've never heard that tone from him before." An owner said that he thinks Bettman will "continue on that path as long as the NHL is not forced into entering a season where a player strike could mean an uncertain ending" (SPORTSNET.ca, 1/16).
