The old bait and switch? Voting ends on Saturday for authorizing board to file for disclaimer
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: There is a belief within the NHLPA that Bettman and Batterman pulled a bait and switch after the NHLPA’s initial disclaimer of interest deadline passed. Darren Dreger via twitter: There are many reports on HRR discussions and allegations that the NHL had failed to identify alterations to specific articles in their offer, is deeply concerning for the players. A league source has said that all the “changes” were highlighted and flagged, and that the union has had the documents for a week.
  • Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The vote has started for the players giving the executive board the right to file for a disclaimer of interest. Voting ends Saturday at 6 pm.
  • Eric Macramalla via twitter: “NHLPA looking for court to punt NHL’s lawsuit on basis that mere threat of a possible disclaimer is not enough of a basis for the lawsuit. NHLPA: as well, this is all being done by the NHL to secure a favourable court to hear its case – which is what the NY court could be. So NHLPA’s argument:NHL wants Court to rule on a hypothetical but cant; as well even if wasnt hypothetical NHL just trying to get fav court. Fehr will not be swayed by the NHL’s declaration that if NHLPA disclaims season is done.”
  • Eric Macramalla via twitter: After filing for a disclaimer, there would be no guarantee that the players would reorganize back to a ‘union’ from a ‘trade association.’
  • Bill Watters via twitter: The NHL as already advised Don Fehr and the PA that if a second disclaimer is played, the season will be over.
  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Don Fehr was not part of the small group talking about pensions in the early evening and in the afternoon session.
  • John Shannon via twitter: Neither meeting on HRR and pensions yesterday were a full meeting. There is a belief that much hadn’t changed in the last 24 hours.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: From a source who is directly involved with negotiations, “a significant number of (CBA) issues” have been agreed upon but “not all issues are of equal importance.” There are several “fundamental issues” that need to be agreed upon. They been good when that happens, but who knows how long that will take.