Schneider said that discussions with Bettman and his team have had a "lack of tension"GETTY IMAGES
Leaders from both the NHL and NHLPA "expressed optimism they can avoid another work stoppage," according to Emily Kaplan of ESPN.com. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman "categorized the discussions so far as 'cordial and constructive, even though they are preliminary.'" NHLPA Special Assistant to the Exec Dir Mathieu Schneider said what "stands out" the most is that the sides are "able to have these discussions with a lack of tension." Kaplan noted the current CBA lasts through '21-22, and in September, both sides can "notify the other side of its intention to opt out" (ESPN.com, 1/25). Bettman said of the discussions, "We have stability, we have competitive balance and the game is able to grow. That's good for everyone involved in the game." Schneider agreed with Bettman that the "tenor of discussions has improved." But he said that he "didn't agree that the players are in control of whether there will be another work stoppage." Schneider said, "There's no question that the players have given back billions of dollars over the course of the past two negotiations. That's no secret. I don't think I'd characterize it as the ball's in the players' hands" (AP, 1/25).
OFF ON A DIFFERENT FOOT: USA TODAY's Kevin Allen wrote he is seeing something "never witnessed before" with the NHL and union starting CBA discussions in a "cordial way." Bettman said the two sides are communicating "very well." Allen noted players currently "strongly dislike the escrow system" and "want to go" to the Olympics. However, Schneider said it is "too early to tell" whether discussions will "fall apart." He said, "Frankly as a member of the organization for the past three decades, this is something that hasn't happened before." Allen wrote from the outside looking in, these negotiations "look like it will be about what the NHL will have to give the players to make sure they don't reopen the CBA." It "feels as if it is the players' move," but Schneider "doesn't see it that way" (USA TODAY, 1/26).
DOUBTS REMAIN: THE ATHLETIC's Pierre LeBrun wrote he will "believe labor peace when I see it." LeBrun: "I just can't totally buy it fully until I see tangible proof beyond the preliminary goodwill. ... Still, you can't deny what you're hearing so far. Both sides have had meetings, and nobody is trying to throw the other side under the bus. Yet." This negotiation will be what it was "always shaping up to be -- the players dictating how this will play out." LeBrun: "Do the kinds of concessions the players want this time around warrant a work stoppage? Because there's no question it's the players who need some things back this time" (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/25).
HERE TO STAY: In L.A., Helene Elliott wrote Bettman ahead of the All-Star Game in San Jose "presented the NHL as a haven of sunshine and rainbows." Elliott described the cordial CBA talks as a "unicorn," which "pranced when Bettman spoke of the tone of labor talks." After "many rules tweaks," the NHL is "worth watching" (L.A. TIMES, 1/26). The 66-year-old Bettman was inducted into the Hockey HOF in November, but he said that he has "given no thought to when he might retire." Bettman: "Anybody who knows me knows I don't operate on time frames like that. I love what I do. I feel energized every day ... You're going to have to put up with me for much more" (TORONTO SUN, 1/26).
