NHL Lockout Talks Continue Friday, But Progress Not Clear

NHL lockout talks continued Friday as the NHL and NHLPA met for the fourth consecutive day in an attempt to find common ground on collective bargaining matters.

A union spokesperson said the two sides met multiple times throughout the day to discuss issues that are keeping them apart and the NHL lockout alive, ESPN reported. These include revenue sharing, player contracting issues, and the “make whole” provision that would honor existing contracts for players if revenue sharing or the collective bargaining agreement changes.

Players’ pensions were another topic covered Friday, ESPN New York reported.

NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr did throw some cool water on talk that the NHL lockout could be nearing an end. He reportedly sent a memo to players warning them not to get too optimistic, and that “there is still a lot of work to be done and bridges to be crossed before an agreement can be made.”

But the fact that the sides are meeting is seen as progress. As Sporting News reported, the fact that the sides have committed to four days of meetings shows that the process is not in trouble of derailing.

The fact that the union responded to the NHL’s proposals is also seen as a good sign, though the details of those responses is not known. Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, wasn’t giving up many details either but said there is “still a lot of work to be done.”

“Everyday that passes I think is critical for the game and for our fans,” Bettman said was quoted by NHL.com. “Collective bargaining is a process and it has peaks and valleys and ebbs and flows, and it is very tough to handicap.”

The NHL lockout has already claimed all games scheduled for the month of November as well as the Winter Classic.