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NHL, NHLPA complete first day of ‘cordial’ talks; where have we heard that before?

Shanabombed!

The NHL and the NHLPA held their first day of formal talks on a new Collection Bargaining Agreement, and the good news is that they haven't cancelled the season yet. Baby steps.

Said NHLPA chief Donald Fehr:

"Eight Players on the Negotiating Committee, along with NHLPA staff, met with Commissioner Gary Bettman, four NHL owners and a number of League staff and legal counsel at the League's office in New York. Following today's meeting, we will review the NHL's initial presentation with the Players' committee before reconvening for further talks later next week."

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly released the following statement:

"Members of our League Office staff and several of our owners met today with the NHLPA and various members of the players' negotiating committee at the League Office in New York. The meeting was very cordial and we hope it was constructive.

"Before breaking, the parties discussed follow-up steps and confirmed plans for future meetings. We have nothing further to report at this time."

Hmmmm …. "cordial" … where have we heard that before in the context of CBA negotiations between the NHL and the NHLPA …

Oh we're so [expletive'd]. (Read the full SBJ post from 2004 here.)

If you haven't read Nick Cotsonika's set up piece on the CBA talks, please do.