Post by hawk on Apr 9, 2005 10:29:38 GMT -3
After meetings this week both sides are optimistic that a deal is going to be done soon...apparently a system they both can work with is in place and it's just a matter of finding the right numbers...Looks like there will be changes to the playoff format as well, allowing 20 teams to make the playoffs (up from 16)..If they do get a deal done soon there willl be a draft lottery and every team will have a shot at the number 1 pick or should I say a shot at drafting Crosby....here is part of the article:
"Next week will tell the story," was how one NHL executive described the current state of the lockout negotiations.
"Gary Bettman suggested the league could work with the concept that's out there now, but it all depends on what the numbers are," the source told Sportsnet.
The essence of the Detroit meeting was to inform league officials and team general managers where CBA discussions are, and what direction they might be headed in.
"If we can agree on what the different plateaus are in what is an acceptable floor and what is the acceptable ceiling, then a deal could be done sooner than later", the source explained.
While details of this "concept" remain vague, Sportsnet has learned the NHLPA version offered Monday in Toronto includes an element of both revenue sharing and a luxury tax system.
Union executive director Bob Goodenow met with Bettman informally Thursday night for approximately three hours and the two sides are believed to be scheduling a more formal session for next week.
The NHL Entry Draft was a hot topic of debate during Friday's meeting in Detroit, and while nothing has been officially decided, a draft lottery appears to be the option of choice for the 2005 crop.
Under a weighted system based on the past 3 or 4 years of regular season standings, all 30 teams will have a shot at Sidney Crosby and the first overall draft choice.
One general manager described this as a 'big debate' item. But it's important to note this system would be used once with an inverted order for the second round. So if a team (i.e., Anaheim) wins the first pick in the lottery, then that team (Anaheim) automatically claim the 60th pick (last pick, second round) overall.
The draft and CBA were discussed for most of day two, however, some time was also spent on media access and creating a more favorable environment for those who cover the NHL on a regular basis -- meaning fewer restrictions.
Sources also tell Sportsnet the Stanley Cup Playoffs will most likely undergo the most significant change among post-lockout targets. It's believed the NHL intends to expand the current 16 team field to 20, leaving all but 10 teams playoff-bound at the conclusion of the next regular season.
"Next week will tell the story," was how one NHL executive described the current state of the lockout negotiations.
"Gary Bettman suggested the league could work with the concept that's out there now, but it all depends on what the numbers are," the source told Sportsnet.
The essence of the Detroit meeting was to inform league officials and team general managers where CBA discussions are, and what direction they might be headed in.
"If we can agree on what the different plateaus are in what is an acceptable floor and what is the acceptable ceiling, then a deal could be done sooner than later", the source explained.
While details of this "concept" remain vague, Sportsnet has learned the NHLPA version offered Monday in Toronto includes an element of both revenue sharing and a luxury tax system.
Union executive director Bob Goodenow met with Bettman informally Thursday night for approximately three hours and the two sides are believed to be scheduling a more formal session for next week.
The NHL Entry Draft was a hot topic of debate during Friday's meeting in Detroit, and while nothing has been officially decided, a draft lottery appears to be the option of choice for the 2005 crop.
Under a weighted system based on the past 3 or 4 years of regular season standings, all 30 teams will have a shot at Sidney Crosby and the first overall draft choice.
One general manager described this as a 'big debate' item. But it's important to note this system would be used once with an inverted order for the second round. So if a team (i.e., Anaheim) wins the first pick in the lottery, then that team (Anaheim) automatically claim the 60th pick (last pick, second round) overall.
The draft and CBA were discussed for most of day two, however, some time was also spent on media access and creating a more favorable environment for those who cover the NHL on a regular basis -- meaning fewer restrictions.
Sources also tell Sportsnet the Stanley Cup Playoffs will most likely undergo the most significant change among post-lockout targets. It's believed the NHL intends to expand the current 16 team field to 20, leaving all but 10 teams playoff-bound at the conclusion of the next regular season.