NEW YORK, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Last-ditch negotiations to save the NHL season failed in New York Saturday, despite involvement by Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
Commissioner Gary Bettman had canceled the season Wednesday, but groups of players, owners and agents had hoped to forge a labor deal Saturday that would allow for a 28-game season and playoffs, the Los Angeles Times reported. However, six-hours of talks between the NHL and the players' association failed to make any progress.
"Meetings ended cordially," said Bill Daly, an NHL executive vice president and its chief legal officer. "We both realize we have to work hard to get a deal with one another."
Sources said the two sides were unable to solve the central issue, a salary cap owners have sought to control payroll growth. Issues including a luxury tax that would be imposed to discourage high spending, salary arbitration rights, and an entry-level salary scale were also points of contention.
