NHL mulling proposals from players

PHILADELPHIA – Donald Fehr, executive director of the NHL Players’ Association, confirmed after Thursday’s five-hour meeting that the league responded to proposals made by the players’ union, but both sides were tight-lipped on the progress that was made.
The proposals regarded revenue-sharing and the players’ share of hockey-related revenue, and both were reportedly rejected by the NHL.
The owners want an immediate 50-50 split in hockey-related revenue, but the players are trying to have a “phase-in” period, with the 50-50 divide not occurring until the third year of the collective-bargaining agreement.
The owners have offered $200 million in revenue sharing to help clubs that are struggling financially. The union, however, reportedly wants that amount raised to $260 million.
After the meeting, at a law office in New York, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters: “We still have a lot of work to do.”
This is the third time that a CBA has expired during Bettman’s tenure – and all three have resulted in a work stoppage.
Thursday was the 54th day of the lockout, and games have been canceled through Nov. 30.
Both sides will meet again Friday, which will be the fourth straight day they have gotten together. They have met for a total of 18 hours in the last three days.
“I’m not going to characterize (negotiations) except to say that it’s always better when you’re meeting than when you’re not,” Fehr said.