Union, NHL going back to table

Though their differences appear irreconcilable, the National Hockey League and its Players Association are at least back on speaking terms.

With time running out to salvage the season, officials from the league and the union will meet tomorrow at an undisclosed location to resume labor talks.

"We think it is appropriate and hopefully useful to engage in these discussions at this time," said Ted Saskin, the union's senior director. "We are not meeting to present a new proposal and remain committed to reaching a fair deal that does not include a salary cap."

The catalyst for the 11th-hour talks was Vancouver Canucks forward Trevor Linden, who is president of the NHLPA.

"The union has requested a `smaller group' meeting at the suggestion of Trevor Linden," Bill Daly, the NHL's chief legal officer, told the Canadian Press. "We agreed to meet on that basis. We remain still hopeful that progress can be made toward a resolution."

Nonetheless, no new proposals from either side are expected at the downsized meeting. Linden, Saskin, and outside counsel John McCambridge will represent the players. Calgary Flames part-owner Harley Hotchkiss, outside counsel Bob Batterman, and Daly will be present for the owners.

Conspicuous by their absence will be NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Players Association executive director Bob Goodenow.

The lockout reached its 124th day yesterday. The sides have not met since Dec. 14, when the NHL rejected a union proposal made five days earlier that included a 24-percent rollback on current contracts. A counteroffer made by the league that included a salary cap and a weighted salary rollback was rejected by the players.

For the second time in a month, the NHLPA is the side instigating talks. After a three-month standoff, the NHLPA sparked discussions with its salary rollback proposal. Owners dismissed it, and responded with their salary-cap structured proposal.

The NHLPA hasn't bent in its refusal to accept a salary cap, but Bettman has shown no interest in the union's alternate plan that includes a luxury tax.

During the lockout that disrupted the 1994-95 season, a deal was reached Jan. 11, and a 48-game season began nine days later.

If this season is wiped out, it would mark the first time in 86 years that the Stanley Cup wasn't awarded. A flu epidemic canceled the 1919 final between Montreal and Seattle. No North American sports league has lost an entire season because of a labor dispute.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.