Bettman was commenting on the up-coming expiry of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) which expires later this year, and prior to this year’s Stanley Cup Finals.
It has long been expected that any compromise deal would be hard and long fought between the league and player representatives – with many anticipating a lock-out in September.
Said Bettman: “We cannot live any longer under our current CBA. You may have to draw your own conclusions of what that might mean.”
The NHL has made no secret of the fact it believes the financial ills suffered by it and the clubs is caused by player demands spiralling out of control. It has said in the past the league could be doomed unless a step is taken to control payments.
Players deny they are the cause of the problems.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has hinted the league is heading towards a September lock-out.
