NHL Owners and Players Near Deal on Shortened Season

Discussions between NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and players' association executive director Bob Goodenow continued late into the night, with the two sides inching closer to an agreement on a shortened season. The main sticking point remains unrestricted free agency, with the owners pushing for players to stay with their teams until age 32, while the players argue for 30.

Key Takeaways:

• The NHL and players' association were negotiating late into the night, with a deal expected soon.
• The main issue holding up the agreement is unrestricted free agency, with the owners pushing for players to stay with their teams until age 32.
• Players argue that 14 years is too long to wait for free agency, considering the average NHL career lasts just five years.
• Some teams, like the Boston Bruins, were making preparations for a 50-game season, including calling in coaching and support staff.
• The Bruins, along with other teams, were considering keeping their original schedule if an agreement was reached.
• The Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals had made little to no preparations for a shortened season.

Statistics:

• The owners are pushing for players to stay with their teams until age 32.
• Players argue that 30 should be the age limit for unrestricted free agency.
• The average NHL career lasts just five years.
• The NHL season would be shortened to 50 games if an agreement is reached.
• There are 59 referees and linesmen who would report to training camps tomorrow if a deal is reached.
• Two training camps are set for the officials, one in Buffalo and another in a western city.
• The players' union had planned to form a 10-team players' league if the NHL season was cancelled.

Sources:

• The Canadian Press
• NHL Players' Association
• Sports reporters, including David Shoalts.