What began as a struggle over economics has become an emotional battle by Bob Goodenow, executive director of the NHL Players Association.
Creating a rallying point is fine, especially when so many of the issues are difficult to grasp. But in igniting players' passion, Goodenow is giving short shrift to reason.
Goodenow has inspired a fight over an issue few players understand: the NHL's proposed payroll tax. It is the one issue on which the union refuses to budge. The one issue keeping NHL rinks dark, yet it is the last issue that should stand in the way of an agreement.
So strong is players' fixation about the evils of even a modest payroll tax, they have contorted themselves into pretzels to avoid it. Each time owners have mentioned the tax and dared them to offer another way to slow salary growth, players have forfeited something significant.
It's an astonishing series of concessions, beginning with their surrender on pay scales for rookies and entry-level players. Those salaries become the basis for the paychecks of mid-career and veteran players, so everyone will eventually feel the pinch.
"It's the longest list of give-backs in sports," a player agent said.
The delegation NHL commissioner Gary Bettman sent to meet union representatives 10 days ago floated the idea of dropping the tax if players would relinquish most of their arbitration rights. That created hope for a compromise, but it is flickering.
When lawyers from each side tried to schedule talks today, Goodenow relayed word that if the NHL intends to keep the tax or to seek major changes in arbitration, he had nothing to talk about. They might not meet tomorrow, either.
It's absurd. Why not meet to see what can be done?
L Each is waiting for the last instant to make his best offer.
Players have conceded more to avoid the tax than they would have given up had they accepted a moderate levy two months ago. Salary arbitration would benefit more players in more ways than a payroll tax would hurt them.
Players claim the tax will be a cap and deter owners from paying high salaries.
It's impossible to believe those owners -- or any others -- would refuse to acquire a top-notch player his club needs because that salary would lift the payroll over the limit and trigger a tax assessment.
The union already has handed over its wallet. The NHL wants its pocket change, too. Bettman must modify the tax. Goodenow must put players' long-term prospects ahead of the short-term embarrassment of losing face.
If there is no agreement and no season, the damage will be incalculable.