NHLPA Exec Dir Don Fehr is "staying through at least one more CBA negotiation, no matter when it is," though he acknowledged this could be the "last one he leads," according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Fehr, who will turn 71 next summer, made his intentions known this weekend during an NHL Alumni dinner. Both the league and the players can reopen the current CBA next September, and should that happen, the status of the World Cup of Hockey will come up "right away." The league has indicated that it does not "want a World Cup in 2020 if there’s a chance for a strike or a lockout right after.” Meanwhile, a return to participation in future Olympics remains a central issue for players. Observers likely will have a "good idea by January if there's a reason for optimism that both sides can agree not to open the CBA to have a World Cup in 2020." Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos said if there is "one positive" of the early CBA talks, it is that it was "abundantly clear that both sides agreed that it's in the best interests of everyone that they don't shut down and they find a way to either come up with a new deal or extend it" ( "HNIC," Sportsnet, 11/3 ).
NHLPA's Fehr Pledges To Stay In Role Through Next CBA Negotiation
