Gary Bettman's 2 Week Break Idea To Rally Owners

Things between the NHL and NHLPA have quickly gone sour, both sides claim to still be far away from reaching an agreement. Last week NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told the media that he was suggesting a 2 week break in negotiations. News that angered NHL players and fans alike, many stating "What's a 2 week break going to solve Gary?!" I'll admit even I was perplexed at the idea of a break when both sides are so far apart, but various reports that have begun to surface put everything into perspective. If I may say well played Bettman, well played.

My initial thoughts after the announcement, were the season was gone, no chance to save it. The two sides would take 2 weeks off (totalling 3 weeks in a row) and then want to break for Christmas and before you know it there wouldn't be any time left for a season. I also thought this was another tactic by Bettman attempting to get the players to "jump the gun" and bite the bullet in order to get back to hockey. But thanks to a news article posted Saturday afternoon things are a little more clear. The article comes out of Philadelphia, and reports that Bettman may be losing his support on the lockout front.

To summarize the article; The biggest supporter of the lockout, Philadelphia Flyers GM Ed Snider is beginning to change his tune. Since the start of the season beginning December 1st has become all but impossible. Bettman's possy of owners is starting to get antsy. The owners were promised an easy win and a major cut of the players share. But since it's become apparent Donald Fehr isn't about to let that happen, the owners now realize the most they will get is a slim victory. And with angry fans and NHL sponsors ready to pull the plug any moment, is this small victory worth sacrificing the season and possibly ruining the NHL empire over?

As Ian White pointed out on Friday, Bettman only needs 7 owners (the NHL owns Phoenix making 8) to agree with him to keep the lockout intact, but if his biggest supporter flips the tables those other 6 may also reconsider. According to reports, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero will also change his vote if his counter part and rival Snider does. With those 2 GM's possibly switching sides Bettman would lose not one but two of his biggest supports throughout the lockout. If the Flyers and Penguins representatives switch sides, look for the Bruins and Rangers to switch their votes as well. All the sudden Bettman's 7 little dwarfs are down to 4 and with the power that Snider has an end to the lockout would be almost imminent.

Snider has already suggested using a mediator to help bring the two sides together and has reportedly made his own proposal to end the lockout and presented it to the Board of Governors. Make no mistake Bettman knows just how powerful Snider can be, which is why he requested a 2 week break to give him the opportunity to see where "his 7" stand on the lockout front. By requesting the 2 weeks off without really a valid reason it gives him an opportunity keep up his image with the media and NHLPA. They don't have to know there is a divide in the owners corner and if Bettman plays his cards right he'd be hoping the players cave and request an end to the lockout, making him once again look like the big shot. With the Flyers and Penguins teaming up to potentially stop the lockout, things look bleak for Bettman. Now you're probably wondering why the Flyers and Penguins owners would team up on anything given their on ice rivalry, but it actually makes perfect sense. Two of the higher end franchises in the NHL who have both put together solid teams, one could easily see that both the Penguins and Flyers are two of the dominate forces in the Eastern Conference and a long layoff could cease their momentum.

Bettman's first mistake in this whole situation was promising the owners a big win. Sure he probably had to butter things up to convince the owners a lockout was in their best interest, but the moment the NHLPA hired Donald Fehr it was evident the owners weren't going to get a big win, just look at his track record! Now that the owners realize they aren't going to get what they were promised they don't feel the need to continue this pointless lockout.

Although this predicament raises many questions; Which other owners are now switching sides? Will Snider in the end side with Bettman? Can Bettman survive this lockout? Only time can reveal the answers, but things surrounding the NHL sure are interesting eh? While everyone was starring at the NHLPA and waiting for them to crack, perhaps people should have been paying more attention to the owners; Billionaires can't stand it when their Billions stop rolling in.

The good news is the NHLPA appear to have rejected Bettman's 2 week break idea and are demanding to meet next week. If Fehr smells any kind of blood in the water he'll move quickly and go in for the kill, hopefully catching Bettman and his divided owners off gaurd.

Ian White Calls Gary Bettman An Idiot

We're roughly 2 months into the NHL lockout and to be honest I don't know if the two sides are any closer now than they were 2 months ago. Although there's the drama of potentially losing a whole season, fans haven't really been treated to a lot of drama from either side. Besides Bettman and Fehr taking shots at each other through the media, there hasn't been anything juicy. But that all changed on Friday afternoon when Detroit Red Wings defenceman Ian White broke the typical player mould and let his thoughts about the opposition be known;

"To be honest, I personally think he's an idiot."

Wow! I'm sorry White can you tell us how you really feel about Bettman, oh you're not fond of him?

"Since he's come in I think he's done nothing but damage the game."

Alright, I think we're getting a better picture of what White is thinking/feeling through the lockout. But please continue;

 "If you think about all the moves he's made, teams that are all struggling seem to be the teams that he put in places where there's not viable markets for hockey. Three work stoppages-I don't know if he's in control of the owners or what he's saying, but I think it's only 7 of the owners that have to agree on something to have it pass. You'd think it'd be at least 50%. It just doesn't seem like they're running a democratic process, if you will."

Talk about not pulling any punches, White made sure his feelings were known and one would have to think he's not the only play that is feeling this way about the NHL. White stood up for his fellow players that didn't have the guts to publicly call out Bettman, but his comments only further prove the rift that is evident between the players and owners. It also proves that the players, who are not fans of Bettman, aren't going to cooperate and let him walk over them.

To be honest I'm glad that White had the guts to call out Bettman, he is an idiot and is about to ruin one of the best games on the planet. White and the rest of the players have every reason to be upset with whats taking place; In 2004-2005 the players lost everything and the owners ran laughing all the way to the bank, this time around the players just want a fair deal but the owners want a clean sweep like last time. Bettman needs to get it through his head that the players wont just roll over this time around. But what I believe really set White off is the fact that Bettman has decided it would be best if the two sides take a 2 week break from negotiating, and since they haven't met for a week that makes 3 weeks without any negotiations. You're trying to save a season and salvage the image of the NHL, taking 2 weeks off isn't going to help anything in fact it's very idiotic. It's virtually like Bettman giving the players a "timeout" because they won't listen and cooperate.

While I currently stand neutral between the two sides, as both are at fault to a certain extent. I honestly don't care who the "bad guy" is anymore I just want the NHL back! I applaud White for voicing his opinions about the owners and Bettman, he has some solid points in his argument; The fact Bettman only needs a handful of owners on his side to win a majority, is disgusting. You can bet there were and are several owners who are just as upset about this lockout as the players are; The Winnipeg Jets just got a team back, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings had a Winter Classic game and how about poor little Columbus who are losing their all-star game. Then there's the fact this is the 3rd lockout under Bettman, shows he has a history and is willing to cancel a season to get his way.

The only part of White's little rant that could be thrown back into his face is his argument about less teams. If there were fewer teams there would be a strong chance Ian White himself wouldn't be in the NHL. Fewer teams make room for only star players, very few teams would be willing to sacrifice a spot for a journey man defenceman. Also many of his fellow players wouldn't be too happy if there were fewer teams as the majority of them would be out of a job.

Kudos to White for voicing what everyone all ready knew, the players can't stand Gary Bettman. Good thing for fans is things usually get ugly before they get better, who knows maybe White stepping up will inspire some other players to voice their opinions.

Agenda During Latest CBA Talks

The good news right now for fans is the fact both the NHL and NHLPA are at least meeting and talking to each other. In 2004-2005 the two sides went for 3 months without speaking, the longest this time around has been roughly 2 weeks. The unfortunate news is the talks as of late have been focused on the "secondary issues" as neither side is willing to back down from their current proposal.

So what exactly is going on behind closed doors during these meetings? Thankfully my sources were able to pass on some important information from the last few meetings. Here's the just of how things went Monday when Bettman and Fehr got together with their posies.

9:00 a.m.- Let's be real they're not meeting as early as 9.

9:30 a.m.- Donald Fehr and 7 NHL players who have yet to leave for Europe arrive to the meeting a little early to discuss their strategy for today's meeting. Fehr opens with "Let me get this straight, if he's not willing to end the lockout and give the players more money by the end of today you'll be in Europe by tonight?" The Players respond will a resounding "Yes!" "Good what's Bettman going to do with no players?"

10:00 a.m.- Bill Daly shows up alone with a smug look on his face and a cup of coffee.


DF- "Where's Gary?!"
BD- "He's coming, had a rough sleep last night"
TP- "Is he finally feeling guilty about this whole lockout situation?"
BD- "No he couldn't figure out if he wants to cancel another 2 weeks or up it to 3 weeks." Followed by evil laughter.

10:30 a.m.- Gary Bettman finally arrives followed by 3 NHL owners with black eyes.


DF- "You're late Gary!"
GB- " Oh am I? I must have lost track of time. I was just discussing how the owners and I are unanimous about this lockout, isn't that right gentlemen?"
O- "Yes, we all agree."
DF- "Have you brought the files regarding how much revenue the league earned last season?"
GB- "You were serious about wanting to see that?"
DF- "GARY!"
GB- "I kid, I kid. I know I keep telling the public and the TV stations we made tons of money, but we actually lost money. Unless the players are willing to take a significant cut we refuse to continue CBA talks."
Sidney Crosby- "That's it Gary I've had enough of your crap, I'm heading to Europe. I hear the KHL is looking for superstars"
GB- "But Sid you can't go, you're my main money maker! Alright Fehr, have your side prepare a new proposal and submit it to the owners"
DF- "Sure thing, we'll have it to you in 2 weeks"
SC- "Make sure you include the clause that no one is aloud to hit me!"

11:30 a.m. After Bettman reiterates the fact the owners refuse to backdown from their current proposal and the NHLPA may submit another proposal as long as it is reasonable to what the NHL has submitted.

GB- "Well that's enough talking for the morning, why don't we break for an early lunch?"
DF- "But we haven't negotiated anything. We have a season to salvage Gary!"
GB- "Oh there's lots of time for negotiating. Besides no one really tunes into the NHL till late December anyways."
DF- "But Gary what about Canadian hockey...
GB- "Canadian hockey fans?"
BD- "Time to break for lunch"

Bettman jumps up from his seat and heads towards the door followed by the 3 owners and Daly, the quickly vanish out of the building. The players and Fehr remain in the boardroom as the players begin to call their agents to look for teams overseas.

DF- "So are you guys finally ready to accept a smaller piece of the pie?" "Or how about accepting the leagues last offer, it seemed pretty fair"
Dustin Byfuglien- "Did someone say pie?!"
TP- "Go away Byf. Remember Don, you work for us. Whatever we want you said you would be committed to getting. We want a bigger share of the pie and longer contracts.
DF- "Fine, fine I'll make up a new proposal. But this isn't going to get us back playing anytime soon."
TP- "There's the KHL and other markets in Europe, we're not worried."

1:00 p.m. Gary and Bill both return from lunch without the any owners.

DF- " Where's the owners Gary?"
GB- "The owners only need to be present if we're "negotiating" a new CBA. Since the players refuse to accept our offer we're not negotiating today. Now on to the topic for today: Player safety, NHL rules and players commitment to pre-season.
TP- "Wait what do you mean we're not negotiating today? We could sign deals in Europe tonight, how are you going to play without us?"
GB- "Oh I'm glad you brought that up. If the players refuse to come to terms with the fact we the owners will win these negotiations and are still holding out by the end of November, the NHL is fully committed to moving forward with replacement players."
TP- " You're going to attempt to replace us? With who?"
GB- "I don't have to attempt to replace you, I will. There are several AHL players who would love their shot to play in the NHL, and how about all the European players jobs you guys are taking? I'm sure they need a place to play.
TP- "Good luck getting the fans out!"
GB- "The fans are dumb enough to come out and support the AHL players as long as they're wearing NHL jersey's"

2:00 p.m. Gary swiftly changes the talks play safety

GB- "With the rise of concussions, we need to address player safety. Let's bring in Brendan Shanahan"
BS- "The game is so fast it's getting harder and harder to tell if a hit was clean or not"
GB- " If it's a big time player or a rich team's player, it's a clean hit. If it's someone no one has heard of before it's dirty"
SC- " Anyone who hit's me should get an automatic 20 games!"
GB- "Calm down Sid, just send Matt Cooke after them."
GB- "Any thoughts Don?"
DF- "Make the equipment smaller?"
GB- "Naw that won't fix anything, guess there really isn't an answer to this problem"

3:00 p.m. The two sides talk about more secondary issues like medical care, drug testing and player grievances.

GB- "Well that should do it for today's meeting, any last thoughts Don?"

The players quickly surround Fehr and discuss things in a little huddle. After 10 minutes they break the huddle.

TP- "Tell him Don!"
DF- "I suggest we get rid of the Salary cap..."
GB- " Hahahahahahahahahaha. Wait you were serious? You do realize we sacrificed the whole 2004-2005 season in order to get a salary cap right?"

4:30- Bettman decides the meetings for the day are complete and leaves the room with Bill.

There you have it folks, an inside look at the NHL CBA talks. Will we see an end to this madness soon?

 

NHL CBA Setting the Battle Grounds

How many of you are holding out hope or are optimistic that the 2012-2013 NHL season will start on time? Unfortunately those hopes took a major blow on the weekend after the NHL offered their new CBA proposal to the NHLPA. By the terms of the first offer it's clear this is going to be a battle fought to the bitter end.

Let's get right to the bottom of the CBA "negotiations". NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA head Donald Fehr don't like each other. Both are power hungry guys who wont backdown and don't like to lose. Bettman may not be interested in playing nice with Mr. Fehr to save the season, and in the end it may come down to who blinks first.

What Gary Bettman has proposed

• Reduce player revenue shares from 57% to 46
• Limit the lengths of contracts to 5 years
• Players have to wait 10 years to become Unrestricted Free Agents
• Get rid of signing bonuses
• NHL Entry level contracts extended to 5 years (instead of 3)
• End future salary arbitrations
• To get rid of front loaded contracts, the money must be the same or less in each of the 5 years.

Can you spell trouble? Out of the points the NHL has offered, I can see only 1 being approved by the NHLPA and that's the length of contracts can only be 5 years maximum. Players and owners have mentioned in the past they aren't fans of the long term 12 year deals that seem to be all the rage right now. Yes it's nice for a team to lock up a franchise player, but if you have multiple players tied up for 8 years how are younger players supposed to break into the league?

But the real hinging point around the CBA is the revenue between the league, players and owners. The players want more revenue while the league wants to give them less. A recipe for disaster. While I am in the boat that says the players are already making for too much money to play hockey, the reduced revenue proposal is ludicrous. Look at it this way; The league revenue right now is at $3.3 billion which has sky rocketed since the last lockout where revenue was $2.2 billion. During the last CBA/lockout the players had a revenue percentage of 75, and that was a much smaller cut as opposed to them making that amount with todays revenue. But here's the kicker since the lockout out each NHL team is making $47.3 million as opposed to $18.3 million before the lockout. Some teams are crying poor and instead of sorting the revenue out amongst the other owners they have decided to take it out against the players. But the players have a different idea, they want a bigger piece of the pie. Considering the players are the major reason the NHL has revenue they should be getting a little more of the revenue they are making the NHL. 

While this was just the first proposition and the revenue for players will end up being different in the end. The NHL needs to be careful about losing players to the dreaded KHL. As of right now the KHL doesn't have any issues throwing large sums of money to lure players away from the NHL, and it may work. Especially with young rookies who if this CBA gets passed will have to wait 5 years before getting a half decent contract. So if the Mr. Bettman isn't careful the KHL will end up with a lot of young talented hockey players that had their sights on the NHL. 

But the good news for hockey fans is this is just step one in a very long process. What the two sides are doing right now are offering their versions of what they want in a perfect NHL. There is still a lot of debating ahead before October and one side has to cave.