League, Players' Association unable to break the ice with deadlock nearing -NHL Update
It has been nearly a week now since the National Hockey League (NHL) and Players’ Association met formally for negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement, but since then, have been unable to break the ice as the time continues to countdown till
the current labour deal comes to an end.
“A lot was said and a lot needs to be processed and I think it probably takes a day or two to think about it and come up with some new ideas,” Wild centre Zenon Konopka, who sat in on Friday’s session, said.
When sources like the OttawaSun looked to contact both sides about when another meeting between the two stakeholders could be expected and the deadlock would come to an end, a disheartening response for fans was given with no meetings being scheduled for
the future at this moment on another series of negotiations.
“It’s hard to know, to be honest with you,” added Konopka. “I think there’s going to be some new ideas in the next week or so. As for a proposal, you’ve got to think there’s going to be something before Sept. 15 but I can’t say that for sure.”
The latest information about what is actually going on behind closed doors is that each party in the negotiation process, is looking for and coming up with new ideas on what to do at this time of unease. There is definitely a lot at stake with the upcoming
NHL regular season on the line but neither side is willing to forgive the other and reenter the negotiation process like two mature individuals.
A lockout, now stronger than ever, looks inevitable and will most likely cost fans the preseason and training camp and might even lead in to the hockey year with no limit to how long it just might last.
“There’s a lot different things that can happen. Obviously, there’s a big gap,” stated Konopka.
Updates on the issue should be expected in the upcoming days as the NHL and Players’ Association know that the clock is ticking and there is just so much waiting they can do between each other until the losses begin mounting up.
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