NHL Lockout Update Oct. 19 – Brief

By Kenton Wolfe

What seemed like progress ultimately came to a halt Oct. 18, with the NHL Players’ Association turning down the latest offer from the NHL owners.

Their response was three counter-proposals, which NHL commissioner Gary Bettman described as “thoroughly disappointing.”

The offer from the NHL owners was extended Oct. 16 and included a 50/50 split of hockey-related-revenue, a major point in the negotiations between the two sides. Additionally, the offer included the altering of the schedule to include a full-82 games, as all games between Oct. 11 and 24 have already been cancelled. Other details included a five-year limit on player contracts, modifying the player-suspension process and lowering of the salary cap.

The NHLPA’s three proposals effectively immobilized negotiations. Though the details of the offers were not disclosed, Bettman said it was “nowhere close” to the 50-50 split.

Negotiations will continue until a deal is met.