NHLPA Doesn’t See Sept. 15 As Important Deadline, Says NHL’s Bill Daly

The NHL Players’ Association doesn’t see the owners’ Sept. 15, 2012, lockout deadline as a real concern, according to NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly (via USA Today’s Kevin Allen).

The NHL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expires on Sept. 15, which is why the owners chose that date as a deadline for securing a deal on the next CBA. However, since there is no rule stating that a lockout has to occur without a CBA in place, the NHLPA doesn’t feel pressured to cave in to a deal that isn’t in their favor, according to Allen.

The NHL cancelled its annual media tour on Wednesday, while the NHLPA sent out a memo to its players informing them of what to expect in the event of an extended work stoppage. Talks are now stalled, according to Daly, with player/owner revenue splits and the proposed length of a new CBA remaining the main issues.

For more on the NHL and its collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the NHLPA, please visit SB Nation’s hockey hub.