Both NHL Sides Talk, but Plan Is Still Taxing

Negotiators for the NHL, meeting with representatives of the players’ union Monday in Boston for the third time in five days, discussed elements of what sources said will be their final proposal toward lifting the 53-day-old lockout.

The proposal is expected to be completed today or Wednesday and presented to the players for a vote by the end of the week. Although sources on both sides were optimistic that a resolution is possible, they acknowledged owners still want a payroll tax and players remain adamantly opposed.

Union head Bob Goodenow said they bargained through the evening and were to meet again today.

The plan includes raising the age of eligibility for the entry draft to 20, with provisions for 18- and 19-year-olds to be considered. The draft also will be shortened to six or eight rounds. In addition, two-way contracts would be standard for entry-level players. Players have made concessions on entry-level salaries and on limiting salary arbitration, but owners gave them figures prepared last weekend to try to show they need additional salary controls.

The NHL is willing to reduce its payroll tax rate to a top of 60% from a top of 122%, but there is sentiment among owners to eliminate the tax if players give up salary arbitration and they can save in other areas. Players might be given a guaranteed portion of future expansion fees and a gate tax might be imposed instead of a payroll tax to raise money to subsidize small-market clubs. Players had proposed a gate tax, although they recently dropped it.

“There are still some serious issues that are unresolved, but there seems to be a prevailing desire by both sides to play hockey with an honorable compromise,” said Tom Reich, a player agent who has been a go-between during the talks. “Neither side is going to capitulate . . . I believe hockey will play.”

So far, 24 games have been canceled from each club’s schedule and 60 remain.

League officials have declared 50 games the minimum for a meaningful schedule and have sketched out a 50-game schedule featuring play within each conference. To play that many, an agreement would have to be in place within the next two weeks for a mid-December start.