I have talked to over 50 players.
1. 45 of them want a 10 year CBA. The realize CBAs only get worse for players in all sports each time you negotiate them. So every year you get between negotiations the players win.
2. 44 of them believe that while a 5 year term limit could potentially hurt the middle to lower guys they also agree that missing a season will ABSOLUTELY hurt those same players who will be replaced by two draft crops entering the NHL at once who will make half of what they make. Last time when we lost a full season over 100 players lost their jobs when it returned. a 5 year deal sure beats early retirement.
3. 47 of the 50 like transitional NHL systen which allows teams to have salaries which could reach 70M despite only paying out 50%. The players like this because without it teams would be required to dump salary and trade players, AND the summer UFA market over the next two years would be shot.
So these are the three issues Fehr is unwilling to accept and these are the three issues Fehr IS willing to throw away all the players December money for.
But don't worry. Some of the players are actually getting together and planning a way to make something happen. I do believe enough players at this point realize Fehr made a hell of deal in getting the 300 make whole and arbitration, UFA, Pension, etc.
The NHL took all that off the table, but I am told it would only take a new proposal with the players agreeing to these three issues as the NHL wants them (which is also how the players want them)
I was also tipped off this morning that Fehr himself may actually like the three issues as well but is holding out for 380M. He believes the owners will cave on that. I honestly don't know, but I really think in a shortened season paying players for games they didnt play with a fanbase that is pissed off in an economy less than 30 days in America from a financial cliff...It won't fly. The players hold the power now as shown by the owners willingness to do the make whole. The second the season is cancelled, going into next year, the owners will hold all the power.
Talking to some owners now, over the last few days, there is sort of odd calm to them. I really believe the owners feel the deal is done and they are amazed watching the players throw away the December checks.
How I see this playing out is simple
At some point...end of the month, before the owners cancel the season the owners will give the players another shot at Tuesday's deal. The Players will get one more chance at 300M and 10 years. All they will need to do is accept the 3 things. It will be a "make it or take it" deal, and some will cry the NHL is "strong-arming" the PA. But it will be the deal Fehr masterfully got them.
There is ZERO POINT ZERO ZERO chance the players throw away a year of their pro hockey life/ a hundred or so careers over the Three issues.
ZERO.
A season will happen. The owners are baffled that the players won't accept the three things now and get paid in December (and more at the end of the year because of another month of HRR) but the owners don't think the players will cancel the season over what is left.
Bottom line. The players can make a season happen and it is up to them as to when it starts. Anyone who says I am pro owner or wrong to put this all on the players remember this. I am saying Fehr has negotiated a MUCH better offer then I thought anyone could. The fact that the the owners are getting their 50/50 and honoring the signed contracts without taking away arbitration is absolutely a WIN for the players...and the longer you can ride this CBA...the players win every year longer because 50/50 will go up and up and up after year 3.
I don't know how many more times I can say the same thing and more to the point hockey fans, many of whom are struggling financially are really starting to lose touch with the players they once loved over it. The game is being damaged every day we wait. People are either pissed or what's worse just apathetic. And I can't blame them anymore...
This survey will be telling...I don't put it in here to be a jerk. I put it in here to honestly see where we are.
Join the Discussion:
»