The NHL Players Association said it would delay the announcement of its ratifcation vote as players and owners continued to finalize the deal that would end the lockout and allow a shortened season.
“Per agreement with the NHL, we will announce results of player vote later today,” the union said on its Twitter account, adding that talks were still going on regarding the Memorandum of Understanding containing all the major points of the new collective bargaining agreement, which each side must sign to officially end the work stoppage.
“Discussions to finalize the MOU continue this morning,” the union said.
Owners unanimously approved the tentative new agreement on Wednesday. Players began voting electronically on Thursday night in polling that ended at 8 am (13:00 GMT) on Saturday.
Once the MOU is signed the league is expected to announce that training camps will open on Sunday and that a shortened season, reduced to 48 games per team will start on January 19.
The new collective bargaining agreement will last for 10 years, with an opt-out clause after eight seasons.
The players’ share of hockey-related income will fall from 57 percent to a 50 percent with the owners also getting 50 percent.
The salary cap for the upcoming season will also reportedly be $70.2 million with a minimum payroll of $44 million. The salary cap will drop to $64.3 million for the 2013-14 season.
NHL players to reveal lockout vote Saturday
