NHL, NHLPA Hit Roadblock in Negotiations

Donald Fehr, executive director of the NHLPA

If you don't follow the NHL then you probably aren't aware that the league and the players association are still trying negotiate and renew the old collective bargaining agreement. This is a very similar situation to what happened with the NFL and NBA last summer. If no deal is made by September 15, then the start of the season will be delayed at the least.

Just less then two hours was all the NHL and the NHLPA met for on Friday to discuss the labor dispute. There are not any meetings scheduled in the future, which concerns some. However, both sides agreed that negotiations could resume at any time.



How this affects the Sharks

If there is a full season lockout, there will be some damage to teams in the NHL. We could see some of the players sign one-year deals with clubs in Europe including natives such as Michal Handzus and Martin Havlat. Expect the younger guys and rookies to be sent down to the AHL affiliate in Worcester, Massachusetts, to develop and stay in top condition.

The Sharks open their preseason September 26 against Vancouver, and open the regular-season in Anaheim on October 12.

Posted in: 2012-13 NHL season,cba,donald fehr,lockout,NHL,nhlpa,San Jose Sharks