Nhl, Nhlpa Reach Agreement

The NHL and the NHL Players Association signed a new collective bargaining agreement Friday.

There was no pomp and ceremony for the official signing, just a news release from the league saying the deal was done.

The signing came almost eight months to the day when the NHL and NHLPA ended a 103-day lockout after a marathon bargaining session in New York.

The agreement expires on Sept. 15, 2002, although both sides have the right to reopen negotiations at the end of the 1997-98 season.

Considering the gains made by both sides, it is still too early to declare a winner in the dispute.

The NHL had hoped to impose a salary cap, but the players balked and the issue came close to scuttling the season.

In the end, owners were able to get an $850,000 cap on rookie salaries plus further restrictions on free agency.

For the first time ever, players were able to become unrestricted free agents at the age of 32.

The NHL and NHLPA were hoping to have a comprehensive drug policy included in the collective agreement and are continuing their efforts.

“We are going to work on that,” said Bob Goodenow, executive director of the NHLPA.

The collective agreement also includes a clause on agent certification. Player agents will no longer be allowed to represent management staff and coaches.