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The NHL Responds: "No Ultimatum Ever Given." |
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Amid reports tonight the NHL have placed an ultimatum to the NHLPA to accept significant changes to the current structuring of "how the the Cap number is determined," OR face, not only another Kovalchuk rejection, but the probable voiding of Luongo and Hossa's contracts as well..
Such a tactic hasn't been used in a long time by the league and would represent a pretty serious departure for the NHL...
So, I touched base with a few folks I haven't talked to since "back in the lockout days." Like riding a bike...
Here's what I have found out so far..
With the introduction of Donald Fehr to the NHLPA there is suddenly a sense of direction and confidence again. A confidence that comes with knowing you have a professionally experienced sport's union head.
The NHL has a formidable opponent in Fehr, yet ironically the NHL actually appears to be more relieved that the PA has a professional negotiator who can get to a point and can bring some creative ideas and solutions to help grow the sport.
When my first source was asked if he sensed a PA/NHL war was at hand, he replied to me immediately saying, "We are happy to be working along side and with the PA here. Not against. fans would be wise to not take this situation to extremes. We are working together here. Both sides share a common interest. 'Get Kovalchuk signed with the Devils.'"
Then I asked one of the very top people at the NHL (a person with very intimate knowledge of all aspects of what has gone on with the NHLPA, Kovalchuk, etc..) if the NHL had indeed put out the Ultimatum being reported
"No Ultimatum ever given," my source said without hesitation.
This is not intended to be a knock on Mr. Brooks. Larry Brooks is obviously being painted a much more severe picture from his sources than the one I am.. And I know Brooksie has some very strong sources.. My connects here are frustrated by the situation, but ok with the people across the table. I wouldn't call them pessimistic. They know it won't be easy, but are willing to give it every opportunity to happen..
Lhkj
As my source added, " There is definitely a opportunity for some postjuring here. These are new relationships being developed between the PA and The NHL. But for the most part the focus is on the goal at hand...Kovalchuk."hj
jj
The most common question I am fielding tonight is:
Are we heading towards a labor stoppage?jh
No. in my opinion we are seeing what may be a strong exercise in preparation for the moment a few years from now when 700+ players, not 1 player, are in the balance.
"Both sides are wanting to appear strong...but I don't get the same sense we had during the lockout. The line in the sand is far less pronounced."
Human nature carries with it a natural tendency for people to start picking sides in charged circumstances..and with the choosing of sides can come extremists...those who want to show the other side as lesser by painting a wider gap between the two agendas. Wider than exists in reality (as of now)ub
so, no...we aren't there..not yet at least..
Ok, that being said, I will add this..I am still baffled by the murmurs the Luongo deal and the Hossa deal could be in any sort of jeopardy. if Hossa's contract is no good, the people of Nashville deserve to get to the second round, ect..
and I wonder if the NHL isn't just making sure that should they approve Kovalchuk, people won't think the Hossa/Luongo deals are the borderline for how far you can push the CBA.. The NHL wants that line further back..and it probably makes sense for it to be further back..
More in a few hours...after sweet, sweet sleep..
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