The two sides were about $7 million apart on salary cap. A lot of the other details (arbitration, rookie caps, minimum salary, etc) had actually been worked out, but the cap was always the sticking point.

 

Chris Draper thought they would settle it, saying he thought it would be about 45 to 46M.

 

Seems pretty logical to cut the gap in half and start playing.

 

Two words, "Binding" "arbitration".

Each side puts forward it's offer however they want to finesse it, and an arbitrator picks the fairest of the two. Winner take all.

 

Pompous millionaires fighting over 7 mill! Bettmen (sp) is an ass! Didnt these idiots ever learn a true fair negotiation/compromise means both parties are unhappy? ...Hockey deserves what is about to happen to it!

 

I never watched baseball again after the idiots ruined the last bit of integrity the game had! By by hockey

 

Neither did I but there are several factors that are different.

- This is a lockout not a strike.
- The players have for the most part bargained in good faith and made several concessions.
- We're talkin' hockey here!

 

I do agree but one problem is <as usual > the rich get richer! The ing owners dont care..they are willing to let the sport die to better themselves ...they are all invested in other things they dont need the game! The Flyers owners own the Sixers AND the building...so what 40 lost dates in THEIR arena? More opportunities for outside cash from concerts, circuses, etc

 

Well, Bettman assumes that all 30 owners will spend the cap... when in truth only 9 teams would be over his $42 million proposal, and only 6 would be over the $49 player offer. Most of the teams won't spend that much, and with the changes in arbitration it's doubtful more than 10 will get close to either number before the CBA expires.

 

waiting for the press conference...