The NHL is Listening

Could it be that the NHLPA finally came up with something that Commissioner Gary Bettman will consider? TSN in Canada reports that the NHLPA offered a 24% rollback in salaries, and a luxury tax after $45 million.

"Significant, significant changes,'' said executive director Bob Goodenow. The NHLPA proposal offered opens the door for the league to save $600 million annually in salaries. Is this enough to get Bettman to agree? ''I think it's fair to say that this proposal touched more topics,'' said Bettman. ''Which is again a reason that I can't respond to it until we've been able to digest everything that's in there.''

So there is hope yet for the NHL. Although a deal has not been worked out, it appears for the first time that the two sides are headed in the direction of negotiation. Still, it is too early to tell.

The NHL says it lost $273 million during the 2002-2003 season and $224 million during the 2003-2004 season. The players dispute this, calling the numbers inflated. Regardless of how much is really lost, there is still loss, and it must be fixed for the league to continue.

Two teams have filed for bankruptcy protection. Most teams are operating at a loss. TV coverage is minimal, and the new contract with NBC only pays on advertising sharing revenue.

Mr. Goodenow, please take note of all this. I know what you want is to protect the players, and get the most you can for them. Your efforts shown yesterday are promising, but it is not enough. You must continue to negotiate, and think openly about the league's counter offer.

Mr. Bettman, please continue to digest the information you were given yesterday, and think openly about it when you put together your counter offer.

As for the players, quit talking like the league isn't willing to talk. They are willing to talk, and are showing it. Making $5 million per year instead of $10 million is a livable income. It is a level of income most people don't see over an entire lifetime of working.

-Dan Joseph