The National Hockey League and the NHL Players’ Association, as expected, are officially headed towards a labour showdown in the months ahead.
Of what magnitude that showdown becomes remains to be seen.
But on Wednesday the NHL provided the NHLPA with a notice that it wants to modify or terminate the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, which means it will be a summer of negotiations.
Under the current CBA, one side must notify the other if they want to formally conclude the deal at least 120 days before it expires, otherwise the agreement would automatically be extended by one year.
The current CBA is set to expire on Sept. 15, 2012, which means the deadline for notification is Friday, May 18.
The move is essentially a formality and not a shocking development, given it was widely accepted that the owners especially, and the players to a certain extent, are seeking changes to the existing agreement. And the notification Wednesday is no different than what transpired in May 2004, prior to the previous agreement expiring, which ultimately led to the cancellation of the 2004-05 NHL season.
Both the NHL and NHLPA have confirmed the letter was sent and received. The two sides have not engaged in any formal talks.
The revenue share between the league and the players is expected to be the biggest sticking point. Under the current agreement, players receive 57 per cent of all hockey-related revenue and its expected the league will seek to reduce that percentage.
Meantime, two organizations have confirmed to Sportsnet that the September Young Stars rookie tournament in Penticton has been cancelled by the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets due to “logistical” issues.
It is suspected that this is related to the potential lockout, though neither source would confirm that. The fact that the NHL has canceled its European games for that same reason leads one to believe this is the case, however.
Also, confirmed from the Detroit organization that they will make the call by Sept. 1 on whether their annual Traverse City rookie tournament will occur.
Both NHL and NHLPA confirm correspondence that will either terminate or modify CBA at midnight Sept 15/12 was sent from League to PA.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) May 16, 2012
This is a similar letter that was sent to the NHLPA in May 2004 prior to the work stoppage (or lock-out, depending on you perspective).
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) May 16, 2012
Source: Under NHL CBA one side must notify the other if they want to make changes 120 days before it expires. #NHL notified NHLPA today.
— Liz Mullen (@SBJLizMullen) May 16, 2012
