NHL and NHLPA still ‘far apart’ in talks: commissioner

The two sides in the NHL labour talks have returned to the bargaining table, but the league’s commissioner says they’re still “far apart.”

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league’s negotiating committee reviewed the document it received Tuesday and has provided a response to the union.

“There’s still a wide gap between us with not much time to go,” he said.

“It’s fair to say the sides are still far apart.”

Bettman also said the NHLPA has yet to have all its proposals on the table.

“I’m not in a position to make a counter proposal until we see everything” that they’ve prepared or interested in discussing, he said.

Both sides have agreed to meet again next Wednesday.

The NHLPA’s offer included a smaller percentage of revenues for players over the next three seasons in exchange for an expanded revenue sharing program to help struggling teams.

The union says the deal could see players give up as much as US$465 million if the league continues to grow at an average rate.

The NHL’s current collective bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15 and the NHL has said there will be a lockout if a new agreement isn’t in place by then.

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