All Donald Fehr

from Adam Proteau of The Hockey News, The Hockey News: In regard to realignment, many have focused on your rejection of the league?s plans, but fewer have focused on the league?s insistence of a hard deadline, which is ultimately what caused your rejection. This isn?t the first instance the league has been aggressive with the PA during the current CBA, is it?

Donald Fehr: The league went into their owners meeting, they came out with a realignment plan, and obviously it required the players? consent. We got into the details on it, we found out the background and information and there were two significant issues from the players? standpoint: one was assurances as to what the travel would be, and unfortunately, we weren?t able to get those assurances. The league was not in the position even to give us a drafted schedule, which makes any analysis very difficult.

The second issue was access to the playoffs, where in the proposed seven-team divisions you?d have a permanent advantage in terms of access, because you?d only have to beat three teams to qualify, whereas in the eight team divisions you?d have to beat four. The players looked at it, but we weren?t in a position to consent. Whether the deadline was aggressive or not, I don?t really know. All I can say is that we offered ? and if the league wants to, we?d be willing now ? to meet with them to discuss these issues and see if a resolution could be found. So far, that?s not something they?ve indicated they?re prepared to do.

THN: Has the PA looked at making a counter-proposal for realignment, something that would address the concerns you have regarding travel and competitive advantage? Or do you sit back and wait for the league to drive the bus on that issue?

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Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/all_donald_fehr/

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