Today the NHLPA presented their offer regarding a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to the league in Toronto. Union leader Donald Fehr indicated that their offer says the players are willing to accept less. Here is the press conference, which 23 players attended, including Alex Ovechkin and Sid Crosby:
The union says its proposal to the league includes a smaller percentage of revenues for players and an expanded revenue sharing program to help struggling teams. Union leader Donald Fehr says players could give up as much as US$465 million in revenue under the proposal if the league continues to grow at an average rate. If the league grows at the rate it has over the past two seasons, he says the amount could reach $800 million... Fehr also said the union's proposal does not call for the removal of the hard salary cap the league won in the last round of negotiations. The NHLPA also proposed expanded revenue sharing to help financially struggling clubs, which could reach more that $250 million per year...
The only piece missing is getting something from Gary Bettman. Since his salary has risen to $8 from $3 before the lockout, he should give up something to the poor teams too!
That is millions, btw.
Bettman is like the Iraqi Information Minister (AKA 'Baghdad Bob') for the owners.