Little Progress Towards New CBA

Monday, 01 October 2012 09:46

Little Progress Towards New CBA

Comments (35)

As the calendar flips to October, there is still no real indication the National Hockey League will be back in action any time soon.

Despite a weekend full of conversation, including one on one discussions between Bettman and Fehr, a new Collective Bargaining Agreement still feels like a pipe dream and we are now just a couple days away from the cancelation of regular season games.

If you’re looking for positives, I guess the fact that the two sides are talking is a good thing.

Discussions held on Sunday represented a third consecutive day of meetings but reaction afterwards seemed anything but positive. The talks over the weekend primarily seemed to steer clear of the core economic issues that are the cause of the significant gap between the two sides.

Until there is serious conversation on that front, there is no reason to believe NHL hockey will be back anytime soon.

Meanwhile, in Binghamton, the Senators farm team is wrapping up their first weekend of training camp and over in Finland, Erik Karlsson has already notched his first goal for his new team in Jokerit.

One interesting note from BSens camp is the fact that Mika Zibanejad has started training camp as a left winger. With Spezza, Turris and Smith locked in as the Sens first three centres in Ottawa, Zibanejad has a better chance of cracking the big club as winger. He skated on the left side, with Da Costa in the middle on Petersson on the other wing over the weekend.

Hope to have a more extensive update from Binghamton’s training camp later this week when Don Rieber, who works as the Binghamton Senators examiner, contributes some of his initial insights on the team in Bingo.

As a bit of distraction while we wait for either good news on the CBA front or the start of the season down in Binghamton, let's do a little Q&A. You can either submit your questions via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or in the comment section below. I'll do my best to answer as many as I can.

Last modified on Monday, 01 October 2012 18:07

More in this category: « Bingo Opens Camp Tomorrow Lockout Leaves Some Sens in Limbo »

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+2 #1 SensChirp 2012-10-01 08:59

@ScoreOttawa

Reports from Danish newspaper Dagbladet Børsen say Peter Regin has agreement in place to return to Herning Blue Fox of Oddset Ligaen league.

+4 #2 Luke McQueen 2012-10-01 09:40

I'm a little torn about Bishop going down to Bingo during the lockout. The only benefit I saw from having Lehner down there this year was that he would have the team and run a full schedule as the number 1 guy. Now with Bishop down there as well, it makes an already difficult situation even tougher. I know Bishop deserves the opportunity to play as well but will this competition be a good thing for our goalies? Seems like Lehner is getting the shaft again in my opinion.

+1 #3 zachpraisetheswedes 2012-10-01 10:55

I've been on the fence about that too.

I understand the team wants Bishop to be playing but the whole purpose of Lehner still being in Bingo is that he has to prove he's capable of being a legit number 1 tender.

I hope they atleast do a 50/50 split instead of having a starter and backup.

About the lineup...
I love the Zibanejad-DaCos ta-Petersson line. That should have some serious fire power.
Then with silfverberg and Stone on another you have essentially 2 #1 lines.

I also hope Prince can stay in Bingo. He could really benefit from playing in a mens league and a pro atmosphere. I think he has a chance at being a solid 2nd liner in the nhl some day. He has a pure offensive ability you just don't see that often.

As good as the offense looks, I still think the teams strength will be on D. We have some big boys back there who can be physical as well as move the puck. Most of them also have either a lot of AHL experience or are basically NHL ready

+1 #4 conor_smythe 2012-10-01 12:00

Chirp, without being diplomatic Or side stepping the question,

Who do you like better as a prospect. Silfverburg or Stone?

+1 #5 SensFanInMTL 2012-10-01 12:01

All the NHLPA does is fuckin tow around with the fans day in and day out. "Oh uh, little progress has been made, but we're still taking it one step at a time." Let's ask ourselves if the NHL will return, ever, let alone next year. Of course the NHL will return at some point but not having it for a year is already a year too long. Furthermore, Donald Fehr's brother really has a face a claque, badly.

+2 #6 SensChirp 2012-10-01 12:19

Quoting conor_smythe:

Chirp, without being diplomatic Or side stepping the question,

Who do you like better as a prospect. Silfverburg or Stone?

Have to go with Silfverberg right now.

Although in some ways, Mark Stone really is the model prospect for the organization. A fantastic example of the progression that is possible in a player with hard work and commitment to working on his game.

The way Stone has progressed and improved since being drafted has been pretty remarkable. When you consider that he is a couple years younger than Silfverberg, it's entirely possible my answer would be different two years from now.

What do others think?

+1 #7 Misaow 2012-10-01 13:59

Oh ah Silfverberg, Say oh ah Silfverberg!

+2 #8 sbs138 2012-10-01 17:27

I propose a Canadian only league. Canadian cities only, not just Canadian players. and there's no reason why 1 city can't have more than 1 team. similiar to the way the AFL works in Australia.

+1 #9 SensChirp 2012-10-01 18:08

Just realized this post wasn't appearing on the home page. Thought it seemed kinda quiet around here today.

+2 #10 timwrx 2012-10-01 19:03

Cowen article from Binghamton

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120930/SPORTS/309300054/Binghamton-Senators-Jared-Cowen-just-happy-playing?nclick_check=1

+1 #11 Floridasensfan 2012-10-01 19:06

Seems like both side want their way and don't care about the season not starting, they both seem to have accepted or embraced the lockout.

If both side are not prepared to budge we may not have hockey this season.
They can talk all they want but if they don't each bend it could be a stalemate.

Lets just say I am not ordering center ice anytime soon unless they start airing bsens games.

0 #12 Guess who 2012-10-01 19:25

Dear NHL and NHLPA: just act like mature adults, stop talking about things that mean diddly squat and sign the stupid contract!

+1 #13 jakester 2012-10-01 19:41

I'm high on Silfverberg but whenever I see Stone's highlight packages and what he did at the world's - I can't help but think he's the man for Spezza's right side. Lethal shot with amazing vision and hands. His skating just keeps improving as well. I'm really higher on Stone I think. Any input on his stride so far this year(has he improved his speed again)?

Chirp, why do most people pencil in Smith as 3rd center. I like Regin there myself with Smith as the ultimate 4th line center(or 3rd line winger). What do u think?

+1 #14 spezzerman 2012-10-01 20:17

I can't believe the players are going to throw away games/salary by not responding to the NHL's offer. Who do they think they are? I am so sick of the players whining about being disrespected, blah blah blah. Krys Barch has secured over 4 million dollars since 2008 - a lifetime worth of money if you're smart. He has the owners to thank. He couldn't earn that anywhere else.

All the players have to do is respond to the offer that the NHL made with the percentages they are on record as wanting and this gets done. The players need to do away with their BS union. It is hurting them more than helping them. It cost them a year of earnings for absolutely nothing. It is going to cost them more earnings as this drags on for absolutely nothing.

Chirp - why are NHL players so dumb?

0 #15 SensFan11 2012-10-01 20:39

In my opinion, unless the NHLPA accepts an offer from the league the whole season is gone already. Gary Bettman and the Owners are not going to budge to much more and are, IMO, going to try and force the hand of the players into signing a deal just for the sake of getting one done. They have shown that they don't care if the season is lost. They want to win this battle, and will probably do whatever it takes to do so.

As much as i hate to say it, I don't think we are going to seen any hockey (in the NHL anyways) this season, POSSIBLY maybe even miss a little of next season. Neither side is really showing any desperate measure to get a deal done. I know it's only pre-season, but if there is a deal to be had, there will have to be A LOT of negotiating.

The day Gary Bettman is no longer a part of the NHL, is the day i will buy a lamborghini..

-7 #16 Andrews Theory 2012-10-01 22:35

Quoting sbs138:

I propose a Canadian only league. Canadian cities only, not just Canadian players. and there's no reason why 1 city can't have more than 1 team. similiar to the way the AFL works in Australia.

We have one, it's called the CHL, check it out....

+2 #17 Trollard 2012-10-02 00:59

Quoting Andrews Theory:

Quoting sbs138:
I propose a Canadian only league. Canadian cities only, not just Canadian players. and there's no reason why 1 city can't have more than 1 team. similiar to the way the AFL works in Australia.

We have one, it's called the CHL, check it out....

Spokane, Plymouth, Erie, Saginaw, Tri-City, Everett, Portland, and Seattle are in Canada?

+4 #18 57gord 2012-10-02 01:16

My rant for the day..............

NHL/NHLPA
Everyday I care less and less and at some point, not too far away, I'm gone. Nuff said,
Signed
Your boss!!!!!!!!!!! !!

+1 #19 SensFanInMTL 2012-10-02 01:24

Hey guys. So a few days ago, I asked if anyone recorded any Sens games, for historic purposes or other. Is there absolutely anyone that can help a fella out? I can provide a list for those who are looking for something in particular as well. Thank you.

-1 #20 HNIC Snoopy 2012-10-02 08:53

So, this is where we are at as of October 2, the NHL has reduced their offer from 24% down to 17.5%, and the NHLPA
has come back with a ridiculous counter offer of nothing!!

They seem to be stuck at no movement, and stare at each other in discussing secondary issues.

To me, it's up to the NHLPA to counter with a serious offer
and see the reaction of the NHL .

The magic number equalling 50-50 could be attained if NHL lowers from 17.5% to 12.3 %. So they really are not that far apart if they both compromise !!
What's so difficult about getting a resolution, by simply negotiating in good faith by both sides ??

We want to see hockey as soon as possible !!

+1 #21 spezzerman 2012-10-02 09:15

so not only does the NHLPA want a raise at a time when players in more successful leagues are splitting revenues even, but they want the owners to spend more money on hotels and trainers. Seriously, they don't want to share hotel rooms anymore.

I ask again, who do the players think they are? I hope the NHLPA gets buried. It started out of necessity but now it exists to fight for the undeserving excesses of spoiled rotten millionaires. As if the owners are in a hurry to spend more money on a bunch on ingrates.

-2 #22 Andrews Theory 2012-10-02 10:11

Quoting Trollard:

Quoting Andrews Theory:
Quoting sbs138:
I propose a Canadian only league. Canadian cities only, not just Canadian players. and there's no reason why 1 city can't have more than 1 team. similiar to the way the AFL works in Australia.

We have one, it's called the CHL, check it out....

Spokane, Plymouth, Erie, Saginaw, Tri-City, Everett, Portland, and Seattle are in Canada?

I suppose you are right, great work...Would you settle for a subset of the CHL then in the OHL?

0 #23 SlickRick 2012-10-02 10:18

I hope TSN/sportsnet/C BC can show AHL games some how. That would negate this whole NHL/NHLPA fiasco.

0 #24 The Apostle 2012-10-02 10:52

Quoting spezzerman:

so not only does the NHLPA want a raise at a time when players in more successful leagues are splitting revenues even, but they want the owners to spend more money on hotels and trainers. Seriously, they don't want to share hotel rooms anymore.

I ask again, who do the players think they are? I hope the NHLPA gets buried. It started out of necessity but now it exists to fight for the undeserving excesses of spoiled rotten millionaires. As if the owners are in a hurry to spend more money on a bunch on ingrates.

Is the players share of revenue only for their salaries or does it include a whole bunch of other stuff.

I'd be interested in knowing what % the players get of the money that is left over ONCE expenses etc have been paid - take into account hotel rooms, travel costs, equipment, training facilities, medical and dental benefits, utilities, payment of other organisational staff and see how they like being offered 50 or 60% of that.

Unless they are of course.

0 #25 TheGritty3rdLiner 2012-10-02 12:02

If the stars line up right, Binghamton could be a very solid team. The defense is stacked with Borowiecki, Wiercioch, Gryba, Benoit, and Cowen, who will be the biggest star of all this year I think. The first line of Zibanejad, Da Costa, and Petersson could be very lethal, and a second line of Silfverberg, Grant, and Stone would be a very good second line that has the potential to be as good as the first.

Lehner and Bishop should split time, because even though Bishop is better right now, Lehner will be our goalie of the future so he needs some good development.

0 #26 Eklund 2012-10-02 12:32

Bill Watters on Josh Rimer's podcast stated that he believes Gary Bettman's plan for November may be to introduce replacement players to the NHL.
My sources aren't hearing the same thing

0 #27 Andrews Theory 2012-10-02 12:54

There is no question the bsens will have an exciting squad but keep in mind every other team has an enhanced lineup as well.

Try a first line of an NHL first line playing in the AHL...

RNH, Eberle, Hall ouch! Add to that Schultz and Paajarvi

Then you have Couterier playing with Schenn. Add to that Gustafsson, Wellwood.

The Marlies have also bolstered their line up with Gardiner

For ahl cities, this could prove to be the most exciting hockey yet.

PS Bill Waters is an idiot!

-4 #28 Sandy 2012-10-02 13:03

Replacement players would be a disaster. I don't think I would watch or go to a game with them. I'd sooner spend my $$ on the 67's.

I heard a part of an Ian Mendes interview on the Team 1200 this morning. He said one issue the players wanted was when on the road.. each player wanted their own room. As it is now.. a player does not get his own room unless he has played 600 NHL games. Sorry, but that to me just goes to show these guys are a little out of touch..or something else. They tried to tell the Owners back in July that some of them spend too much $$ on their GM's, coaches, etc.. but now each one wants their own hotel room -- in a 5-star hotel? That's ridiculous. Since when do they have the right to tell their Owners how to spend their money?

It seems that when a stalement happens.. instead of each side having a little give and take.. they just walk away when they don't get what they want. This is not getting settled soon.

With the growth of the NHL the last several seasons and revenue higher than it has ever been.. what are these people thinking when they are prepared to lose a season and halt that growth? To the fans.. that appears to be pretty stupid and greedy.

Well on a more positive note for me... in just under 3 weeks I head to Binghamton for 2 games.. Can hardly wait.

+1 #29 Sensnation 2012-10-02 13:05

I guess I'm one of the few who sees the 3 days of talks over the weekend as pretty good progress. Hashing out some of the smaller items may help the players feel like they're getting a little something back to the point where they are willing to compromise a bit better and it'll get the owners to start remembering it should be a partnership. Either way, I think it's great there's progress and I think we may be only weeks away from this being solved.

+1 #30 C.J. 2012-10-02 13:14

^ I like the optimism it's a nice change :)

0 #31 Sandy 2012-10-02 13:37

Forgot to mention.. my condolences to Chris Phillips on the death of his father over the weekend...

Also Pierre McGuire said this morning that NBC is in constant contact almost daily with Bettman to try to get this settled.

Make it 50-50 -- and get it going or face the consequences of much less revenue to split when and if you return.

+1 #32 zachpraisetheswedes 2012-10-02 14:52

Don Cherry's comments about the Leafs and how they ruined Kadri are pretty hilarious.

While I agree they don't develop their prospects well, I personally think Kadri will never make the nhl. Or at least be a consistent scorer in the nhl. And if he can't do that he prob won't play bottom six for long either since he's brutal at defence.

Still find it hilarious Toronto picked him a head of Cowen. Way to go Burke

-4 #33 Sandy 2012-10-02 15:36

Quoting zachpraisetheswedes:

Don Cherry's comments about the Leafs and how they ruined Kadri are pretty hilarious.

While I agree they don't develop their prospects well, I personally think Kadri will never make the nhl. Or at least be a consistent scorer in the nhl. And if he can't do that he prob won't play bottom six for long either since he's brutal at defence.

Still find it hilarious Toronto picked him a head of Cowen. Way to go Burke

Within a day or two... expect a rebuttal from Brian Burke. It appears Cherry & Burke don't like each other...

BTW -- the NHL says it has lost 100M not having pre-season games... So the PA is holding out for their 57%? But how much revenue will be left?

0 #34 MethotToMyMadness 2012-10-02 15:53

Quoting SensFanInMTL:

Hey guys. So a few days ago, I asked if anyone recorded any Sens games, for historic purposes or other. Is there absolutely anyone that can help a fella out? I can provide a list for those who are looking for something in particular as well. Thank you.

No response is usually an indicator that nobody can help you out. I'm sure if someone had games recorded, they'd pass them along.

+2 #35 MethotToMyMadness 2012-10-02 15:58

Read Sandy's note about players wanting there own rooms. When it comes to saving money, having two guys on the same team sharing a room isn't crazy. If I was a coach I'd make sharing rooms a club policy to build moral, team chemistry as well as mentor-ship. One thing that I've heard is that the further you get a long in Hockey, the less of a team feel you have, because people tend to trail off and do there own thing. But look at what happens in the playoffs, it's the reverse! Everyone believes in the brotherhood system, coming together as one. To me there's no better way to do it.

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