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Published Thu, Nov 24, 2011 03:34 AM
Modified Thu, Nov 24, 2011 03:56 AM

Agreement expires next year; Commissioner wants to avoid another stoppage

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BY DAN GELSTON - Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA -- Gary Bettman understands the risks of a work stoppage as well as any sports commissioner.

He oversaw the 1994-95 NHL lockout that delayed the start of the season and forced a 48-game regular-season schedule. When labor problems lingered in 2004-05, Bettman shut down the league.

Bettman knows the pain that NBA players, owners and fans feel and the financial and career gambles they're taking as the messy lockout continues.

He just hopes the NHL doesn't make that sport stoppages list again.

The NHL's collective bargaining agreement is set to expire Sept. 15, 2012, and discussions are scheduled to begin shortly after the NHL All-Star break at the end of January.

Donald Fehr, the executive director of the NHL Players' Association, has said he does not expect acrimonious negotiations.

Bettman has declined to discuss specifics of what he expects out of the negotiations - just know that he wants the NHL business to continue to grow.

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