Fehr responded to Daly’s comments by saying: “of course we want to get a deal done,” adding the players doubt whether the owners do.
Fehr admitted that the owners have moved on some aspects of the CBA, but not significantly when it comes to core economics.
“If it was Thanksgiving dinner, they gave us the relish tray but no turkey,” Fehr said. “In term of dollars, the parties are $182 million apart over five years.”
Fehr called NHL commissioner Gary Bettman’s deadlines, “artificially created,” adding that the owners’ “make whole” clause a misnomer; he believes they should be called “transition payments” instead.
Fehr would not comment as to how much research and preparation the NHLPA has invested into decertification. He said he doesn’t expect the current break in talks to go in for much longer.
S. Fehr: We’re available to meet anytime but don’t have any new proposals for them. “We moved a couple miles; they moved a couple inches.” — Hockey Central (@SNHockeyCentral) November 23, 2012
S. Fehr: We’re available to meet anytime but don’t have any new proposals for them. “We moved a couple miles; they moved a couple inches.”
— Hockey Central (@SNHockeyCentral) November 23, 2012
Although Fehr said the two sides remain in regular contact, no new meetings have been scheduled.
The league announced the cancellation of the 2013 All-Star Game and the first two weeks of December’s regular-season games on Friday afternoon.
