The NHLPA player reps have unanimously voted to refuse to provide their consent to allow the realignment plan proposed by the NHL Board of Governors earlier this year to be implemented in time for next season
This begs the question of why? This plan seemed to be one that fans for the most part liked. It led to less overall travel for players, while also giving players the opportunity for every player to visit every city each season. It seemed like a win/win/win for players. So whats the hold up.
Three letters. C. B. A.
There is a lot of cost savings in this planned re-alignment for owners and some of the most powerful teams in the league were pushing it strongly. Its definitely something the owners want to happen.
It appears to me, that as an educated guess the players want this to be their C.B.A. leverage. Its their answer to the issue the owners have held for the last few years, participation in the Winter Olympics which the players overwhelmingly support.
The public battle on the new CBA has begun, and one can infer from this decision that behind the scenes negotiations aren’t going well.
As hockey fans lets all hope that we can get this all settled in time for training camp next year, but this has to be seen as an ominous start to these talks.
The Olympic participation and the Re-alignment plan may seem like minor bargaining chips in the bigger war which will involve the dynamics of the salary cap, guaranteed contracts, and the percentages of revenues the players are entitled too… but even minor bargaining chips are still bargaining chips.
Seems that the PA wanted to add one more chip on their side of table today.
…. And thats the last word. For now.
