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By Amy McGinnis
Yesterday, the NHL and NHLPA came to a ten-year collective bargaining agreement, ending the 113-day lockout. If the two groups had not reached an agreement by this Friday, the 2012-2013 season would have been cancelled.
In the past, players received 57% of all hockey-related revenue; in the new deal, they will split the earnings 50/50 with the NHL. There will now be a seven year limit for players’ contracts (eight years if a player is resigning with his team). The NHL has also insisted upon a variance limit from year to year. They originally proposed a 5% variance limit; they settled with the NHLPA on a 35% limit. The average player’s salary is currently $2.4 million per year, and the salary cap for this season will remain at $70.2 million. Next season, however, the salary cap will decrease to $64.3 million.
Upon hearing the news, center Zac Rinaldo exclaimed, “It’s about time!” I’m pretty sure that his sentiment was shared by many in Philadelphia. What’s more interesting to me, though, is the statement given by Peter Luukko, Flyers’ president. “The Philadelphia Flyers are extremely grateful to our loyal and dedicated fans who have shown tremendous patience and support during this process. We will refrain from making any additional comments at this time.” It seems that Luukko omitted “as per Gary Bettman’s orders.”
Tags: Amy McGinnis, Claude Giroux, Danny Briere, Flyers, Gary Bettman, Hockey, lockout, NHL, NHLPA, Peter Luukko
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