CBA Negotiations Update- 8/15/12

The NHL and NHLPA got together for a little more than an hour earlier today following Tuesday's counterproposal from the players' union. NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr met with the media afterwards to give an update on the latest progress in the negotiations.

Based on what was said, it appears that the two sides are still far apart in what they're seeking, as is to be expected considering that each side has so far only given one proposal each. However, the NHL and NHLPA have now both clearly stated their starting points and what they look to get out of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. There is a LOT of work that has to be done before we reach any sort of deal, but at least the two sides are making progress. 

It has been reported that the players have been told to prepare for the worst, which would be a locked out 2012-13 season, but hope for the best. From what it seems, the NHLPA does not want anything to do with a lockout, while the owners and the league are willing to do what it takes to get what they want. Gary Bettman (or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named for the hockey fan who does not want to say the name of that awful man) is surely making it seem that the league could care less about a lockout, as long as they get what they want in the end. Then again, we've all grown to the point where anything that man says has less truth and worth than a rotten pile of horse dung.

Anyway, here's the latest from Mr. Fehr.