{coyotes} NHL, NHLPA BEGIN FOUR DAYS OF CBA TALKS IN TORONTO

Monday, 13 August 2012

{coyotes} NHL, NHLPA BEGIN FOUR DAYS OF CBA TALKS IN TORONTO

With 34 days left until the expiration of their collective bargaining agreement, the National Hockey League and NHL Players' Association begin four days of talks in Toronto today to come up with a new labour deal.

While both side have said they have found common ground regarding on-ice issues, there's still the lingering issue of economic concerns as the NHLPA is expected to present its counterproposal to the league on Tuesday. It's believed the players will submit their counter to start the day's session, allowing immediate time for discussion.

The NHL presented its proposal on July 13, asking the players to accept a reduction in hockey-related revenue from 57 per cent to 46 per cent.

The league and the NHLPA met for nearly three hours Friday at the NHL offices in New York, going over other hockey issues like appeals for supplemental discipline and the lengths of training camps.

"We thought it was a good session," said Winnipeg Jets defenceman Ron Hainsey, who spoke for the NHLPA following the session. "Constructive. We reflected on the whole process. Discipline, ice conditions, training camp, travel."

Putting more pressure on getting a deal done was NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's statement last week that the league will lock the players out if both sides can't come to an agreement by Sept. 15.

"We knew that was an option. (We're) focused on (presenting) our proposal on Tuesday," Hainsey told reporters. "We were well aware (of) Sept. 15."

The regular season is scheduled to begin on Oct. 11.