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Should the CBA talks break down there's a chance every existing contract could be voided, making every player a free agent. What would that world look like? Who would be the top targets? How much would they earn? Craig Custance explores with an NHL exec.

Blog | Conversation | December 19, 2012

There are some who believe the NHLPA's disclaimer of interest could expedite an agreement ... others think it could crush the NHL in years of court battles. Craig Custance explains the true impact of the move.

Blog | Conversation | December 17, 2012

Craig Custance examines the battle over contract term limits and why players feel it could greatly limit the money going to mid-level players.

Blog | Conversation | December 10, 2012

Despite the ugly ending to negotiations in New York, optimism emerged between Kevin Westgarth, Jamal Mayers and Shawn Horcoff that a deal between the NHL and the players will still get done.

Craig Custance dives into the madness that surrounded the NHL's CBA drama Thursday night, noting that while progress may be closer than it appears, the league's likely belief that it can survive another lost season is a cause for fan concern.

Blog | Conversation | December 07, 2012

Craig Custance speaks with sports economists to try and ascertain the sweet spot when it's most beneficial to the league to stop delaying and finally cut a deal at the bargaining table.

Blog | Conversation | December 05, 2012

On Tuesday, a small group of NHL owners and players will meet to try to find a breakthrough in CBA talks without the presence of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr. On Wednesday, those six owners will join the r...

With decertification a possible road for the NHLPA, Craig Custance looks at who some of the winners and losers might be in a radically-altered landscape.

Blog | Conversation | December 03, 2012

Taking the path of decertification could be risky and time-consuming for the NHL Players' Association, writes Craig Custance.

Craig Custance explains why the negotiating tactics employed by the league and the players are creating distrust that might doom the NHL to a perpetual cycle of work stoppages.

Blog | Conversation | October 19, 2012

Craig Custance breaks down the NHL's latest CBA proposal to assess the impact on teams up against the salary cap, and those with salaries stashed in the minors. The verdict? Don't expect to see a flurry of panicked trades ... not yet anyway.

Blog | Conversation | October 17, 2012

Craig Custance reports that the NHL -- lured by financial incentives, fan interest and the city's sizable media market -- might be setting up shop in the Emerald City through expansion rather than relocation.

Blog | Conversation | September 20, 2012

Craig Custance chats with several former players regarding the 2004-05 lockout. While some believe the lost season gave rise to a stronger players union, at least one star believes the cost was ultimately not worth it.

Blog | Conversation | September 18, 2012

As the lockout begins, Craig Custance reports that GMs are examining strategies from the league's previous stalemates to build post-lockout winners, and outlines team characteristics that will most likely lead to success.

Blog | Conversation | September 17, 2012

With a lockout all but finalized in the NHL, Craig Custance looks behind the lines to see where the players and owners stand in the battle of who will blink first.

Blog | Conversation | September 14, 2012

Craig Custance explains why revenue sharing will be a key issue during this summer's CBA discussions.

Blog | Conversation | May 31, 2012