NHL Owners Make ‘Last Proposal’ to Players

NHL players returned to the bargaining table in Toronto late Saturday night after considering the latest contract proposal from owners. Neither side would say how much progress had been made.

NHL owners had made what they called their “last proposal” to players in an effort to head off the first strike in league history. Bill Wilkerson, a spokesman for the NHL, said that the owners and players had met as a group, then broke into smaller groups and continued their discussions.

Earlier, Chicago Blackhawk owner William Wirtz had spoken briefly with reporters after all-day meetings. “We summarized the week’s activities, and we’re waiting to hear from them,” Wirtz said. “This was our last proposal. They said they’d be back.”

The players have set a Monday strike date unless they can reach a collective bargaining agreement.