Next NHL deal will be tough to hash out: Orr

Bobby Orr doesn’t like TORONTO the look of the NHL labour clouds forming on the horizon.

In fact, the Hall of Fame defenceman said he fully expects another lockout in the not-too-distant future.

“My gut feeling is I’d be surprised if there’s not,” Orr said. “I hope there isn’t.

“But it’s going to be a tough one.” The league and the NHL Players’ Association signed a 10-year collective bargaining agreement in January 2013 to end the last lockout, but both retain the right to cancel the deal after eight seasons. Notice from either side under that scenario has to come by next September, which would give the parties 12 months to hammer out a new deal before the old collective bargaining agreement expires before the 2020-21 season.

If the league and its players both decide to let the current CBA run its course, it would expire before the 2022-23 campaign. Issues include escrow payments that see a percentage of player salaries held in trust to ensure an even split of revenues with owners and participation at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing.

The NHL declined to send its stars to the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea after taking part in the previous five showcase events.

A lockout in 2004-05 wiped out the entire NHL season.

The 70-year-old Orr heads a hockey agency that bears his name and boasts Edmonton superstar Connor McDavid among its clients.

He’s hopeful the players and owners can come to an agreement before there’s another work stoppage, especially with the young talent in the game and potential expansion to Seattle as the NHL’s 32nd franchise, but added he’s not holding his breath.

“I think there are concerns (with the current CBA) on both sides,” Orr said. “I hope I’m wrong. We don’t need a lockout.”