Sportsnet: The NHL lockout has dragged on for the last 9 weeks, and they now are discussing a 2 week break. Gary Bettman suggested a 2 week moratorium on the stalled negotiations. Talks have stalled since they met last week and over the weekend. Bill Daly yesterday morning: “But I’m more discouraged now than I have been at any point in the process.”
Chris Johnston via twitter: It sounds like the 2 week negotiation break came from a conversation, not a straight offer. Aaron Ward via twitter: Sources are saying that Bettman floated the idea that both sides take a 2 week moratorium. “This has NOT been discussed further.”
Darren Dreger via twitter: Bill Daly: “We have made repeated moves in the Players’ direction with absolutely no reciprocation. Unfortunately, we have determined we are involved with Union leadership that has no genuine interest in reaching an agreement. Regardless of what we propose or how we suggest to compromise the answer is “no,” At some pt you have to say “enough is enough.”
Tim Wharnsby via twitter: Steve Fehr: “Of course everyone on the players’ side wants to reach an agreement. The players have offered the owners concessions worth about a billion dollars. What exactly have the owners offered the players? We believe that it is more likely that we will make progress if we meet than if we don’t. So we are ready to meet. If indeed they do not want to meet, it will be at least the third time in the last three months that they have shut down the dialogue, saying they will not meet unless the players meet their preconditions. What does that tell you about their interest in resolving this?”
Tom Gulitti via twitter: Gulitti was told that this proposed 2 week break from Bettman came after he asked Fehr if they would respond to the proposal that the NHL has on the table, in which Fehr said “no.”
Allan Walsh via twitter: Walsh’s opinion: “Bettman’s 2 week moratorium makes no sense if he really wants a deal. Trying to burn calendar, put more pressure on players.”
Will DePaoli via twitter: Chatter out there is that Bettman and the Board of Governors won’t consider a season under 40 games.
Aaron Portzline via twitter: An NHL player: “What concession has the league made? Only the NHL could see us going from 57 percent to 50 as a concession on their part.”
Dave Molinari via twitter: Pascal Dupuis: “It can get done in two days. It’s a matter of talking. Obviously, right now, we’re willing to do it.”
