It seems that the NHL lockout has hit an all-time low as the league filed two separate lawsuits.
The first motion filed by the NHL was a Class Action Complaint in New York Federal Court seeking a declaration that confirms the ongoing legality of the lockout. The second, an Unfair Labor Practice Charge, complains that the players' plans to disclaim interest or decertify constitute "bad-faith bargaining."
The move on Friday came after the NHLPA stated Thursday that they would let the full membership vote on disclaiming interest. The move would essentially give the board the power to dissolve the union, which would enable players to file antitrust lawsuits that could potentially get them an injunction to end the lockout and win damages. This move was taken by the NFLPA and NBA player's union during their respective lockouts last year.
The NHL's lawsuit gives them one distinct advantage. By filing the complaints in the state of New York, they have ensured that any legal procedures will take place in a state that has been relatively kind to owners in the past. When the NBA filed a similar complaint last year, the league did it in NY as well.
Despite the news making the lockout situation more grim, Eklund of Hockey Buzz asserts that the owners and players will not lose a season since they are very close on most issues. According to Eklund, the latest move is simply more "posturing" from the two sides; each waiting for the other to make final concessions.
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