Players cautiously optimistic over latest NHL proposal

Share

Deal or no deal?

That is the question, now that the NHL has made a proposal to the NHLPA that sees a 50-50 split in hockey-related revenue and a full 82-game season, which would begin on Nov. 2.

News of a "50-50" split was an eye-opener in the hockey world on Tuesday. But what do the players think?

"It definitely needs to be reviewed, first and foremost," said one NHL player who has been involved in the negotiation process. "Past deals have been much worse than they initially appeared. But we hope this is the start of their true negotiations."

When that player was pressed to see if the NHLPA would accept the league's new proposal, he said, "Still too much to go through, but we hope it's a step in the right direction. We will have a counter-proposal as soon as possible, hopefully in the next couple days."

Another NHL player called the league's latest proposal "encouraging," and was pleased to see an offer that can be taken seriously, "unlike last time."

When this player was asked if the NHLPA would accept, he said, "Well, it's a start to work from. It's still 12 percent less than what we get now. But it's becoming more fair."

Contact Us