from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

Player salaries are growing under the current CBA, but they have some much-publicized issues, such as the NHL’s decision to end its practice of sending players to the Olympic Games. Also, players hate the current escrow system, in which money is held back from player paychecks in case player salaries go beyond 50% of revenue, which is the split spelled out in the current CBA.

Bettman said there are steps that could be taken to reduce the sting of escrow, “but it has to be joint problem solving.”

Regarding the Olympics, Bettman hasn’t changed his mind about allowing players to go.

“It’s a distraction with no benefit, and I’m not talking financial benefits,” Bettman said. “That has never been the issue. It disrupts the competitiveness of the season, and the (International Olympic Committee) does not allow us to do anything to promote we are there.”

Players have other issues that concern them, but none might be enough to persuade them to risk a disruption to the season a year from now. If they reopen the CBA, the contract expires next September.

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