The NHL is asking its players to defer 13% of their pay for the upcoming campaign as part of return-to-play negotiations, sources told Larry Brooks of the New York Post.
The NHLPA agreed to a 10% deferral as part of the six-year collective bargaining agreement extension signed in July before the league returned for the expanded postseason. That money is due to be repaid in three equal, interest-free installments in October 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Several players who have large signing bonuses would be unable to defer the combined 23%, according to PuckPedia.
With @NYP_Brooksie reporting deferral ask is up to 23% total, there are 26 players who cannot defer 23% of comp this season even if all of their salary is deferred. This is due to large signing bonuses.
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) November 17, 2020
Total deferral shortfall is $25.4M https://t.co/4x6E3leJYR pic.twitter.com/uo0tAAsD9p
If players agree to the deferral, it would mean no pro-rated salaries for the upcoming season, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.
However, the CBA Memo of Understanding states: "The parties also agree to continue discussions regarding the possibility of allowing players and clubs to negotiate additional deferrals on a case-by-case basis."
The NHL is targeting a Jan. 1 start date and is expected to conduct a regular season of 48 to 60 games.
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