Yes, these kinds of thiings should have been implemented years ago to ensure the overall health of the league...The way the NHL/NHLPA does things is like watching two five year olds fighting with each other at recess for who's next to use the swing...
- Buttwipe

When there is enough swings for everyone

When there is enough swings for everyone
- Dozzer

My everything hurts *puking emoticon*
- Buffalo--Sabres

You deserve everything you've got!!!!!!!

It would also pressure NHLPA leadership to start bargaining as soon as humanly possible... Say during the entire last season of the CBA. Instead of pulling why Fehr did this time around and wait til the last possible moment to start talks. Those are the kind of time sensitive pressure tactics that need to be removed from both sides of the table.
- Dozzer

Something else to think about is if something like that would be legal under the labor laws. I have no idea if it would be or not.

My everything hurts *puking emoticon*
- Buffalo--Sabres

You just finished reading Garth's latest blog?

Something else to think about is if something like that would be legal under the labor laws. I have no idea if it would be or not.
- MJL

Bettman stated earlier in this whole process that the NHL approached the NHLPA as early as last fall to try and get the negotiations going, but imagine that the NHLPA had no interest in negotiating.

The NHL has wanted this deal done for over a year, and it has taken that long for Fehr and the NHLPA to finally get serious.

Bettman stated earlier in this whole process that the NHL approached the NHLPA as early as last fall to try and get the negotiations going, but imagine that the NHLPA had no interest in negotiating.

The NHL has wanted this deal done for over a year, and it has taken that long for Fehr and the NHLPA to finally get serious.
- gstrandberg

In my opinion regardless of when the negotiations started, the NHL was going to lock the players out. I would argue that it's taken this long for the NHL to get serious. If they had made the offer they recently made back in October, they'd have missed little time. But that wasn't the League's plan. They thought they could crush the Union. They were wrong. The only way that there wasn't going to be a lockout was if the NHLPA completely caved into the Owner's. That was never going to happen.

Bettman stated earlier in this whole process that the NHL approached the NHLPA as early as last fall to try and get the negotiations going, but imagine that the NHLPA had no interest in negotiating.

The NHL has wanted this deal done for over a year, and it has taken that long for Fehr and the NHLPA to finally get serious.
- gstrandberg

I think you and MJL need a time out for being insanely bias. You guys need to reel it in with the absurdity.

In my opinion regardless of when the negotiations started, the NHL was going to lock the players out. I would argue that it's taken this long for the NHL to get serious. If they had made the offer they recently made back in October, they'd have missed little time. But that wasn't the League's plan. They thought they could crush the Union. They were wrong. The only way that there wasn't going to be a lockout was if the NHLPA completely caved into the Owner's. That was never going to happen.
- MJL

Bull. poop.

Fehr would have just used that as the starting point AND STILL tried to milk the Owners for as much as he possibly could.

Bull. poop.

Fehr would have just used that as the starting point AND STILL tried to milk the Owners for as much as he possibly could.
- As_I_See_It

If that offer had been made back in October. The players would have seen the offer as a very good offer, and offered some tweaks just as they are now. One of the biggest misconceptions on the lockout is that Fehr calls the shots. He doesn't. He works for the players.

If that offer had been made back in October. The players would have seen the offer as a very good offer, and offered some tweaks just as they are now. One of the biggest misconceptions on the lockout is that Fehr calls the shots. He doesn't. He works for the players.
- MJL

players don't see poop unless Fehr thinks it's worth signing

If that offer had been made back in October. The players would have seen the offer as a very good offer, and offered some tweaks just as they are now. One of the biggest misconceptions on the lockout is that Fehr calls the shots. He doesn't. He works for the players.
- MJL

HIGHLY doubtful.

At that point, time would still have been on the Fehr/PA's side and Fehr would have advised the players, "hold out, because I think we can get more!"

NONE of Fehr's actions (or lack thereof), have indicated that he EVER had ANY INTENTION of striking a deal he absolutely had to, the 11th hour.

players don't see poop unless Fehr thinks it's worth signing
- Rayven

That is not correct. The players are well represented by a Negotiating Committee made up of players, and ex players. As well as a full contingent of Player Club Representatives. Nothing is kept from the players.

Bull. poop.

Fehr would have just used that as the starting point AND STILL tried to milk the Owners for as much as he possibly could.
- As_I_See_It

Im not sure I agree.

The idea that Fehr is trying to get the most he can for the PA, and Bettman doing the same for the Owners, doesnt make any sense.

Thats like saying you breathe because you need oxygen, when we all know people breathe because it tastes good.

Why would they do that? Those guys were hired to do whats best for the teachers union and workers in the automotive industry, not the people who hired them. Fehr better realise that Burger King hired him, and that he needs to stop trying to get the best possible deal for hockey players, and focus on Whoppers like he was hired to do.

(couldnt help myself. had to follow the trend of overboard and absurd)

Im not sure I agree.

The idea that Fehr is trying to get the most he can for the PA, and Bettman doing the same for the Owners, doesnt make any sense.

Why would they do that? Those guys were hired to do whats best for teachers and workers in the automotive industry and not the people who hired them. Thats like saying you breathe because you need oxygen, when we all know people breathe because it tastes good.

(couldnt help myself. had to follow the trend of overboard and absurd)
- Gunslinger

Totally!

HIGHLY doubtful.

At that point, time would still have been on the Fehr/PA's side and Fehr would have advised the players, "hold out, because I think we can get more!"

NONE of Fehr's actions (or lack thereof), have indicated that he EVER had ANY INTENTION of striking a deal he absolutely had to, the 11th hour.
- As_I_See_It

It's very likely. The players weren't going to miss months of paychecks for what was left to negotiate if that offer was made in October. Fehr and the players weren't going to cave in or be bullied by the NHL or the Owners. If a suitable deal such as the one they are working on now, was available on Oct. The players would have offered tweaks, negotiated them further. Then agreed to a deal and played a full Season.

Im not sure I agree.

The idea that Fehr is trying to get the most he can for the PA, and Bettman doing the same for the Owners, doesnt make any sense.

Why would they do that? Those guys were hired to do whats best for teachers and workers in the automotive industry and not the people who hired them. Thats like saying you breathe because you need oxygen, when we all know people breathe because it tastes good.

(couldnt help myself. had to follow the trend of overboard and absurd)
- Gunslinger

I don't think there's ever anything wrong with a good labor battle...My problem with the NHL/NHLPA is they can't hold these meetings a year or two before the current CBA expires...

I don't think there's ever anything wrong with a good labor battle...My problem with the NHL/NHLPA is they can't hold these meetings a year or two before the current CBA expires...
- Flyfreaky

totally agreed

this may be your best non-gif post of all time actually...

I don't think there's ever anything wrong with a good labor battle...My problem with the NHL/NHLPA is they can't hold these meetings a year or two before the current CBA expires...
- Flyfreaky

I dont either, but calling them out for doing whats in the best interests of the people who hired them is ...well....stupid. Whether you agree with their methods or not.

totally agreed

this may be your best non-gif post of all time actually...
- Crimsoninja

Thinking outside the box.....

Thinking outside the box.....
- Fruitcakenipple

And poopting inside it...

It's very likely. The players weren't going to miss months of paychecks for what was left to negotiate if that offer was made in October. Fehr and the players weren't going to cave in or be bullied by the NHL or the Owners. If a suitable deal such as the one they are working on now, was available on Oct. The players would have offered tweaks, negotiated them further. Then agreed to a deal and played a full Season.
- MJL

A car salesman does not give you their bottom line offer to begin with that would be stupid. To think the owners would have done that is also stupid. Its called negotiation.

totally agreed

this may be your best non-gif post of all time actually...
- Crimsoninja

My mom made me write it...

A car salesman does not give you their bottom line offer to begin with that would be stupid. To think the owners would have done that is also stupid. Its called negotiation.
- Cheeseballin

I agree 100%. That's why my entire point has been that regardless of when the Negotiations started. There wasn't going to be a deal made before a lockout. Because neither side was prepared to offer a deal that the other side would accept, at that time. Nor were they willing to accept the deals that were on the table at that point.

totally agreed

this may be your first non-gif post ever...
- Crimsoninja

fixed