RODIER'S RAMBLINGS

  In last week’s column, I introduced the concept of decertifying the NHLPA as the sole bargaining agent of the Players, and why it is worth considering after a thorough independent report is obtained.   In my view, unless the Players are willing to strike for two years (which is half the average Players’ career), it would be naïve  to believe any promises made to the Players’ that their financial situation will improve in future collective bargaining negotiations.   Without drastic measures, Gary’s triple hard cap is here to stay, and it will tighten.  Admittedly, it is a big step for Players to take.....they may very well prefer to continue taking their chances with another round of collective bargaining.  Maybe the results will be different and their financial situation will improve.   As I explained in my previous column, the Players can vote, by a 50% margin, to decertify the NHLPA as the sole bargaining agent for the Players, at any time during the three month window prior

“For nearly two decades, the Players have protected the owners’ income with escrow, including throughout this pandemic crisis, even as owners’ equity continues to grow exponentially. It is time to fix the escrow.”   Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers     “A. escrow and B. escrow” Jonathan Toews told the CBC, when asked the biggest issues in the coming (2019 CBA) negotiations.   No changes to escrow were made.   Introduction It is clear that the Players hate the hard salary cap/escrow system, but the NHLPA has not been able to deliver any changes to the system since 2006 when it was forced on the Players, despite numerous opportunities to do so.   In fact, in 2012 the Players were locked out by the Owners for half a season and had their salaries cut a further 12%!! From previous blogs, we have also learned that that:   since the Escrow Balance owed by the Players at the end of the 25/26 season will still be in excess of $600 million, the NHL will likely lock out the Player