The 2003 National Hockey League season may have just started, but there's already hand-wringing over what's going to happen once it's over. The NHL's collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Players' Association expires Sept. 15, 2004. Without a new deal in place, NHL owners say they'll lock players out of training camp. The problem, of course, comes down to money. NHL teams posted record losses of nearly $300 million last season, an increase of 35% from the year before. Blame is being hung on soaring player salaries. The NHL spends 76% of its revenue on players' salaries and benefits, a greater percentage than in the NBA, NFL or major league baseball. Here's a look at the issues to be decided:
Will there be a salary cap?
The NHL owners want it, but the player's union leadership says "no way." Consider that the average NHL player's salary is now at $1.79 million, compared to the average NFL player's $1.1 million and the owners might have a point.
Will there be a luxury tax?
This fee would be paid by the rich, large market teams for spending over an agreed-upon salary cap.
Should free agency age be lowered?
Currently, the age for free agency is 31, but players would like to see it slip under 30. Lowering the age could play a part in obtaining cost certainty for the league.
