After three days of labor talks, the NHL yesterday "rejected the union's latest proposal and pulled several elements of its own off the negotiating table." All optimism that a "resolution was on the precipice evaporated, replaced quickly by fear that salvaging the season never has looked more bleak." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said that all items the league "offered to the NHLPA in the past week have been rescinded, along with any and all 'Make Whole' payments." It is "unclear when the two sides will meet again" (ESPNNY.com, 12/6).
After the "most promising effort to salvage" the season "broke down in dramatic fashion," both sides offered "starkly different descriptions of what led to the failure." NHLPA Exec Dir Donald Fehr: “It looks like this is not going to be resolved in the immediate future.” Bettman: “I am disappointed beyond belief that we are where we are tonight. We’re going to have to take a deep breath and regroup” (GLOBE & MAIL, 12/7).
In L.A., Lisa Dillman notes there is "no clear sign of where exactly this is heading next." More game cancellations are "sure to come soon with the league careening toward yet another missed season" (L.A. TIMES, 12/7).
See video of Gary Bettman's press conference after talks broke off.
