Connect with us

Published

on

As the NHL and NHLPA enter the penultimate season under its collective bargaining agreement, there’s a new tone emanating from both sides: optimism.

For a league that has experienced three lockouts over the last 30 years, it’s a welcome change. The NHL and NHLPA last negotiated a CBA in 2020 — amid the COVID shutdown, when discussions were bundled with return-to-play protocols. Financials were bleak, especially for a sport quite dependent on gate revenue. In an unprecedented climate, both sides collaborated for solutions. Four years later, they all rebounded in a big way. Revenue hit a record $6.2 billion last season, as the league also set new marks in attendance and saw a spike in sponsorship revenue, thanks to evolving attitudes on sports betting, helmet decals and showcasing individual players’ personalities.

In Sportico’s recent valuations, the average NHL franchise is worth $1.79 billion — a 37 percent increase in just one year.

Last month at a Board of Governors’ meeting, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said he’d like to start (and hopefully end) CBA negotiations early, saying “in terms of the relationship, we think we’re in a good place.”

The NHLPA’s new executive director, Marty Walsh, is equally positive these days. “Myself and Gary Bettman have had very open conversations about how this potentially could be laid out,” Walsh told ESPN in a recent interview. “Going in with an open mind, with open dialogue is how I’ve always approached collective bargaining.”

Both sides are motivated to continue momentum. And sources on both sides suggested that if a deal was reached as soon as this spring, there would likely be few changes to the overall structure, just tweaks. But from a player’s perspective, there’s only so often you can ask your boss to re-open your contract and hope to change the terms. So what exactly would they like to achieve?

Walsh agreed to an interview, but declined to speak on specific issues, saying it was premature. Walsh is currently on his annual fall tour – a series of individual union meetings with every team — to canvass players opinions. “Once we assess where we are at and what players feel, we will take next steps after that,” Walsh said.

In the interim, ESPN spoke with 21 veteran players around the NHL to get an early pulse on what issues are important to them. The players were granted anonymity to speak openly. Here is a primer of what topics are on the table and what might be feasible in a new CBA:


The biggest concern for players: Grow the pie

The one item that came up again and again with players was money. “It’s not overly complicated at this point, we need to grow revenue,” one player said. “It’s what all the other sports are doing. We don’t need to be squabbling over points; we need to make the pie larger so we can have a larger slice. This deal has been great for the owners.”

Players cited several examples on how the league’s value has ballooned. Jeff Vinik bought the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2010 for a reported $93 million. Vinik recently sold a majority stake of the team, which is now valued at $1.8 billion, per Sportico. Meanwhile players salaries have largely remained stagnant. Florida Panther star Matthew Tkachuk’s cap hit ($9.5 million) is roughly the same as what his father, Keith Tkachuk, was making in the 1999-2000 season for the St. Louis Blues ($10 million).

The NHL and NHLPA currently have a 50-50 split on hockey-related revenue. The salary cap, which is calculated based on HRR, remained largely stagnant through and directly following the pandemic to account for losses — though the league has hinted at bigger jumps the next several seasons. Players are hoping those jumps are sizable.

“Coming out of COVID was tough, and it felt like we took a lot of compromise to get to where we should be,” one player said. “Now it seems like the league has done well with HRR and hopefully that allows us to see the benefits.”

It’s unclear what economic proposals either side will bring to the table. Players uniformly felt they took a cut when the split went from 57-43 to 50-50 in the 2012 CBA. They have no appetite to decrease further, even if the league tries to argue that in other sports like the NBA or NFL, the players’ share is less than 50%. Several players wondered if the NHL could institute a luxury tax.

“We have some owners who would definitely be willing to spend over the cap,” one player said. “We should reward that. And then that money gets spread across all the owners, and for some of the smaller-market teams it puts money in their pocket.”

Players said they would like to receive a cut of future expansion fees as the league flirts with the idea of 34 teams. “We should fight for that, no doubt,” one player said. But, according to sources, that could be a sticking point for the league.

As usual, many players brought up escrow — in which the league withholds a portion of their salary until revenue is accounted at the end of the season – as something they were passionate about eliminating.

“I think a lot of guys get confused or caught up with escrow, but it’s just a mechanism for getting paid,” one player said. “We need to be focusing on the bigger picture. We want to get rid of escrow. I’m sure the owners want to get rid of guaranteed contracts. We all should be focused on how we can bring more attention and dollars to the sport.”

What could it be? The NHL should get another infusion of cash on the new Canadian TV deal, which will kick in for 2025-26. Players were optimistic about the presence of Amazon, which is dabbling with streaming games in Canada and produced an all-access show, Face Off, which got buy-in from players and the league.

Said one player: “I don’t think there’s a silver bullet, or one thing that will help revenue. But all of our energy should be focused on finding new ways to grow our sport.”


The possible tweaks

Throughout the course of the season, when matters are raised by players or at a general manager’s meeting, the answer can be a common refrain: That’s a CBA issue. So what topics since 2020 do the players feel passionately about revisiting?

  • The schedule: One of the most intriguing topics expected to be discussed is the schedule. Anything could be on the table, from eliminating the three-day Christmas break to reconsidering the way out-of-division games are scheduled. Restructuring the preseason became a hot topic in September after a rash of high-profile injuries including to Drew Doughty, David Reinbacher and Patrik Laine. One idea that has been floated is trimming the preseason in favor of adding two games to the regular season (putting the total at 84). Players surveyed by ESPN had mixed opinions. “There are teams scheduling eight preseason games and that’s too many,” one player said. “Some of them become s—shows, especially when you see rosters some teams put out. Some teams are playing three [games] in three days.” Veteran players acknowledged that while they generally needed only two or three to feel game-ready, the preseason contests are valuable for prospects to get evaluated. “Our preseason is just too long,” one player said. “We’re almost done with camp. Media day in the NBA was two days ago and they finished earlier than us. It’s insane. I’d take 84 games if we could start earlier.” Others were wary of the expense of a longer regular season. “Hockey is a tough contact sport. Playing those two extra games could be the difference between having a guy in the playoffs or losing him,” one player said. “Also the wear and tear on your body. You may not notice it after two games, but it all adds up. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  • Playoff format: A handful of players want to change the playoff format to a typical 1-8 seeding by conference. “A lot of guys would like to see that change, myself included,” one player said. But according to sources, there have never been substantive discussions about that at Board of Governor meetings. The league believes the format is strong and the Stanley Cup playoffs are the best postseason in sports. It would have to be a major sticking point for players to get addressed.

  • The Jack Eichel issue”: In 2021, Eichel was sidelined with a herniated disc in his neck. He wanted to get an artificial disc replacement, a procedure never performed on another NHL player before. The Sabres preferred a more proven alternative. Under the CBA, teams get final say over a player’s medical care. It caused a massive rift, resulting in Eichel’s trade to Vegas, and an issue many assumed would be brought up in the next CBA. Players uniformly said they should get final say over their medical rights. And while there are some that are super passionate, many view Eichel’s situation as a rare occurrence — and not necessarily an easy tweak. One player noted they’ve actually made big strides in this department. “When I first started [11 years ago], it was super taboo to get a second opinion, like you were disobeying your team,” the player said. “Now they’ve made it so much easier, much more common. We’re in a decent place.” At its core, this CBA clause about final say on medical decisions is really about guaranteed contracts, which players do not want to relent on. Several players advocated for full benefits post-retirement. In the CBA, eligible retired players can enroll in the NHL Health and Benefits Fund and, in certain circumstances, receive a subsidy towards the cost. There have been enhancements on this over the years. For example, the offering used to be a one size fits all policy. Now, it’s more scalable. Some players want further assurances, even if it would be a massive cost. “Healthcare is a huge thing,” one player said. “We have one of the best pensions in major sports but we need an answer for health care and get full benefits.”

  • International events: In the past, participation in international events was atop players’ wish list. However with the upcoming 4 Nations Faceoff tournament, commitment (and progress) on scheduling a regular World Cup, and commitment to play in the 2026 Olympics in Milan, players feel they are in a good place. “Feels like the league finally met us on international play. It’s important to players and I think the league also understands its importance for the growth of the sport, even if owners are taking on the risk of a guy getting injured, and dealing with the IOC and IIHF on insurance,” one player said. But for the players it’s still important to get it in writing.

  • Rules and equipment: General managers have given the league feedback at their recent meetings that they would like changes to the long-term injury reserve rules, which has allowed some teams to activate players just as the playoffs begin. While some players had mixed opinions here, none felt super passionately that it needed to be addressed — though they knew the league may bring it up. The NHL also will likely discuss equipment mandates, such as neck guards.

  • Next-gen ideas: Some players said their agents have bugged them about ideas for the next generation, such as changing the draft age to 19, shortening the draft, or finding an out to the Canadian Hockey League and NHL agreement that stipulates teenagers must be returned to their junior clubs if they aren’t on the NHL roster. The NHL and CHL agreement is separate from the CBA. And with a massive sea change coming – the NCAA is considering changing eligibility rules regarding CHL players – it’s tough to predict what is feasible here. But many of the draft-related ideas have not received traction, according to sources.


What’s next in the process?

Walsh and his top lieutenant Ron Hainsey — a defenseman who retired from the league in 2021 — are continuing their fall tour, which is expected to stretch into December. Discussions on the tour will help shape points of emphasis for negotiations with the league. Walsh said he is in no rush.

“It’s really dictated by the players,” Walsh said. “It depends on where we are with the players, what the players want to do. I mean, this is their association. We’ll talk to the entire team and then we follow up with player reps and follow up individual players who are interested in this stuff. Players are everyday people. They’re busy with life and family and everything else. So some players want to get very engaged and some just want to support their teammates.”

If the sides come to a resolution by June, there is nothing that prevents a new CBA from going into effect before the prior one is completed. So if both parties agree, the new CBA could theoretically begin as soon as next season.

Walsh was hired in February, 2023 after an exhaustive search. He was the longtime mayor of Boston before serving as the U.S. Secretary of Labor. Players on the search committee said they liked Walsh’s political background — his ability to communicate, form relationships and garner support. He’s remained accessible, giving all 750-plus members of the union his cellphone number.

“I think guys are feeling really confident being led by Marty,” one player rep said. “He has good energy, a good feel for the CBA, the league and also how to develop relationships with Gary [Bettman] and work with the league. We know issues are going to come up, but we feel like he’ll get them resolved.”

One question several players wondered: Who will exercise their voice and help in the fight? The NHL’s new marketing campaign is all about Gen Z as Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Connor Bedard become the new faces of the league. In the past, Sidney Crosby has been very opinionated on league issues behind the scenes, then goes through proper channels.

“Other sports that are seeing a lot of success are driven by their stars, and that’s where we want to be,” one player said. “Patrick Mahomes, LeBron James, they’re at the forefront of league issues. That matters.”

Walsh said it was too early to identify which players might be the spokespeople for the union. “Depends on how negotiations are going,” he said.

Continue Reading

Sports

5-year sentence sought for Franco; verdict Thu.

Published

on

By

5-year sentence sought for Franco; verdict Thu.

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — Dominican prosecutors requested on Monday that suspended Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco, who faces charges of sexual abuse involving a girl who was 14 years old at the time of the alleged crimes, be sentenced to five years in prison.

The prosecutors said in court that there is sufficient evidence to prove Franco had a relationship with the minor for four months and that he transferred large sums of money to the minor’s mother to consent to the illegal relationship.

During raids on the house of the minor’s mother, prosecutors say they found $68,500 and $35,000 that they allege was delivered by Franco.

“We are requesting a five-year prison sentence for the proven crime of sexual abuse against a minor,” prosecutor José Martinez said.

The prosecutors also requested that Franco be sentenced to prison in Puerto Plata and that the minor’s mother be sentenced to 10 years in prison, arguing she sexually trafficked her daughter.

In a previous hearing, prosecutors described the evidence presented as “convincing” and “compelling.”

“What is Wander? Is he an accomplice of Vanessa or is he the material author of the criminal conspiracy offense?” said Irina Ventura, one of Franco’s lawyers arguing ambiguities on the part of the prosecutors.

Franco’s lawyers also asked the court to clear Franco of the charges and to dismiss the case.

After the closing arguments from both, the collegiate court of Puerto Plata in northern Dominican Republic, where Franco’s trial is being held, announced that it will issue the final decision on the case Thursday afternoon.

Documents that prosecutors presented to the judge last year and that were viewed by The Associated Press alleged that Franco, through his mother, Yudelka Aybar, transferred 1 million pesos ($17,000) to the mother of the minor on Jan. 5, 2023, to consent to purported abuse.

Franco was in his third major league season when his career was halted in August 2023. He agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021. He is currently on Major League Baseball’s restricted list after initially being placed on administrative leave.

Continue Reading

Sports

Woodruff, Cortes nearing return from IL stints

Published

on

By

Woodruff, Cortes nearing return from IL stints

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Brewers pitchers Brandon Woodruff and Nestor Cortes are finally getting closer to returning after lengthy recoveries from their respective injuries.

Woodruff and Cortes both pitched in simulated games Monday. Woodruff, who hasn’t pitched in a major league game since September 2023, threw 60 pitches. Cortes, who made just two starts this year before going on the injured list in early April, threw 22-23 pitches in the simulated game and about 25-30 more in a bullpen session.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said the staff would work together to determine the next steps for Woodruff, who is hopeful he might need only one more rehabilitation outing before making his long-awaited return from postseason shoulder surgery in 2023.

“I’ve always been a guy, when I’m ready, I’m ready,” Woodruff said. “I kind of know that. I’m not saying that’s going to lead to results, but I know that I’m ready to go pitch and compete. I think I’m to that point now.”

Cortes says he’s aiming to start a rehabilitation appearance in early July before rejoining the Brewers just after the All-Star break as the 30-year-old left-hander recovers from a flexor strain in his throwing elbow.

“That’s when we believe is the safest — and I guess the safest and quickest way to get back — combination of both,” Cortes said.

Woodruff, 32, already has been on two separate rehabilitation stints this year.

The two-time All-Star right-hander left the first one with tendinitis in his right ankle. He was pitching for Triple-A Nashville again on June 3 when a 108-mph line drive struck him in the right elbow, leaving a bruise that delayed his return.

“It’s been the hardest thing,” Woodruff said. “If you don’t stay positive with it, it makes coming to the field miserable, to be honest. When the team’s on the road and I’m here, me and Nestor are here by ourselves, it’s a pretty lonely place.”

Woodruff said his family has helped him stay positive. That’s also worked for Cortes.

Woodruff and his wife, Jonie, have a daughter named Kyler who turns 5 in August and a son named Bowen who was born last July. Cortes’ wife, Alondra, gave birth to Nestor Cortes III in April.

“That’s been the biggest help for me,” Woodruff said. “I was thinking about it last night. Getting to feed my little boy a bottle at night before he goes to bed, you don’t get that when the team’s on the road. All these experiences, and getting to see him about to start walking, getting to see that day to day, family’s been the biggest thing for sure. That’s filled the time up until the game starts and I’m watching the games. Having two kids has definitely kept me busy.”

While Woodruff and Cortes move closer to a return, the Brewers await word on the severity of a minor league prospect’s injury.

Third baseman Brock Wilken, the 18th overall pick out of Wake Forest in the 2023 draft, hurt his knee during Double-A Biloxi’s celebration of its Southern League South Division first-half title last week. Murphy said Monday that Wilken had a dislocated patellar tendon and was awaiting a second opinion regarding the injury.

Wilken, 23, was hitting .230 with a .392 on-base percentage, 18 homers, 41 RBIs and 57 walks in 65 games with Biloxi.

Continue Reading

Sports

Reds DFA Candelario halfway through $45M deal

Published

on

By

Reds DFA Candelario halfway through M deal

The Cincinnati Reds reinstated infielder Jeimer Candelario from the injured list Monday and designated him for assignment.

The move comes just a year after Cincinnati signed the veteran infielder to a three-year, $45 million contract.

“We felt this gives us our best chance to win games to keep the guys we had here versus activating him,” Nick Krall, the Reds’ president of baseball operations, said Monday, according to The Athletic.

Krall called it a “sunk cost because you can’t bring a player that’s not going to help his team win.”

Candelario, 31, had started 12 games at third base, seven at first base and three at designated hitter before landing on the 10-day injured list in late April with a lower back injury. He had struggled at the plate before his injury, hitting just. 113 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in 22 games. In an extended 17-game rehabilitation assignment at two minor league levels, he hit .238 with a home run and 13 RBIs.

The 10-year major league veteran hit 20 home runs with 56 RBIs in 2024, his first season with the Reds, but hit just .234 and struck out 117 times in 112 games.

He has a career batting average of .237 with 110 home runs and 384 RBIs in 880 games.

The Reds are moving forward with Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte and Spencer Steer as their main corner infielders.

Field Level Media contributed to this report.

Continue Reading

Trending