NHL, players’ union renew negotiations to avoid lockout

NEW YORK — Hoping to stave off the second lockout in 11 seasons, the National Hockey League and the players’ association will meet today to resume negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement.

The current deal, extended twice since it was hammered out in 1995, expires Sept. 15. If a new agreement isn’t reached by then, a lockout that could threaten the entire season is expected to be imposed.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has vowed on behalf of the owners to work out a deal with the union that will radically change the financial landscape of the league. He is determined to make sure the percentage of revenues paid out in player salaries is sliced.

An economic study commissioned by the NHL found that players get 76 percent of all league revenues — far more than the percentage for the other major team sports.

League revenues have increased 163 percent while player salaries have jumped 252 percent under the current agreement, the NHL said.

The players’ association said it has countered with an offer of a luxury tax, a 5-percent rollback in salaries and changes in entry-level salaries.