NHL & NHLPA Making Progress?

The NHL made another proposal today for a new CBA and want to still fit in an 82 game season. 

The deal is said to offer a 50/50 split in revenue sharing.  @Jsportsnet reports, UFA at 28 yrs/8yrs of service, 3-yr ELC deals, 5-yr long-term contract limit.  Bob McKenzie adds, The NHL is proposing the 5-year limit on player contract length and a yearly salary variance that can't be more than 5 per cent.  The 5Y TCL and 5% variance restrictions are aimed at eliminating back-diving contracts, which are a primary NHL concern. 

McKenzie also explains that the league wanted to address the large follow-up contracts that top prospects aim for after playing through their ELC.  The three ways that situation would be dealt with are:

1.  Entry level would go from 3 to 2 yrs.

2.  Salary arbitration eligibility would go from 4th to 5th yr.

3.  UFA goes 7/27 (service/age) to 8/28.  If player comes out of entry level 1 yr earlier, is 1 yr further away from salary arbitration and UFA, less pressure on teams to give big contract. 

NHL.com reported, “For an 82-game regular-season to begin Nov. 2, Commissioner Bettman said each team would have to play one additional game every five weeks. That would allow the completion of the Stanley Cup Final in late June.”  The regular season would also need to be extended beyond the original end date of April 13th.

The NHLPA has the burden of responding with a counter offer that will most likely be made in the next 24-48 hours according to Darren Dreger.  Bettman has said that gives both sides 9-10 days to finalize a deal and move forward.

Pierre LeBrun reports, The tentative plan is for both sides to speak by phone Wednesday - NHLPA seeking clarification on number of points - and then to meet Thursday.

Isles Notes:

Per Eric Hornick, “Rick DiPietro made his debut in Germany on Sunday, and came out on the losing end of a 4-1 score.”

Other Notes:

Mike Modano, Eddie Olczyk and Lou Lamoriello have been inducted the the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.