Wednesday, July 13, 2005

NHL, players union agree on a deal

By Dana Wakiji / The Detroit News

Trolling for fans How long will it take the NHL to recover its fan base? No time at all, once the games start 1 to 3 years Up to 10 years It never will Get results and comments Hockey's back Are you glad hockey is back? Yes No Doesn't matter to me Get results and comments Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

DETROIT -- Hockeytown is about to make a comeback.

The NHL and the NHL Players Association have agreed in principle on a collective bargaining agreement, which officially ends the lockout that started on September 16 after 301 days.

The two sides met for 24 hours from Tuesday to Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

Details of the agreement won't be made public until both sides ratify it, which is expected to occur by next week.

Commissioner Gary Bettman canceled the season February 16, despite last-ditch efforts to salvage it when the players agreed to accept a salary cap.

In addition to a salary cap, the agreement will contain more freedom for players, who will be able to be free agents at age 27, rather than age 31.

General managers will have a lot of work to do in a short time, with training camps set to open in September. They will have to hold a lottery and then the draft is expected to happen by July 30.

The Red Wings will not only have to sign some of their own free agents, they'll also have to decide which players won't fit under the new salary cap.

First, however, they are expected to announce the hiring of a new head coach, reported to be Mike Babcock, formerly of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.