Wednesday`s NHL Board of Governors meeting in Los Angeles didn`t produce any groundbreaking revelations, but Commissioner Gary Bettman did describe the update on collective bargaining as “quite extensive both in terms of the process and the substance.”
Sources suggest that the NHL and the NHLPA are nearing an agreement in their CBA negotiations.
Bettman commented on the potential timeline, saying, “It`s conceivable that there would be an announcement when we reach an understanding, but that understanding is again subject to ratification… We’re not (there) at the moment.”
Earlier this season, the league and the players` association successfully agreed on a three-year projection for the salary cap, setting it to reach an unprecedented high. This was considered the most challenging aspect of the talks. Both parties have been careful to keep other specific details private. However, some notable topics reportedly being considered include:
- Reducing the maximum term for contracts signed with a player from another team (free agent) to seven years, compared to the current eight years allowed for a team`s own player.
- Maintaining draft rights for players until they turn 22 years old.
- Potentially allowing a limited number of first-round draft picks from the CHL (Canadian Hockey League) to be eligible to play in the AHL (American Hockey League) earlier than currently permitted. (There is some discussion around limiting this to one player per NHL team, as not every team drafts in the first round, but the likelihood of this change is unclear.)
- Eliminating contracts that include deferred salary payments.
- Creating a designated “permanent” Emergency Backup Goaltender (EBUG) who would regularly practice and travel with their assigned NHL team.
- Adjusting the revenue-sharing model to provide more support to teams in the middle tier financially.
Regardless of the specific points, it is anticipated that an outcome will be announced relatively soon.
Other Updates
Regarding potential expansion, Bettman mentioned that Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly provided an update on “expressions of interest.” However, Bettman clarified, “there`s nothing new. We have no pending applications and we`re not seeking to initiate a formal process at this point.”
When the league previously expanded with Vegas and Seattle, Bettman disclosed the expansion fee. Asked if a set price has been discussed this time, he responded:
“To the extent that there have been expressions of interest, we talk generally about it… But nothing we need to get into.”
