Elliotte Friedman points out a potentially problematic detail about the 2020-21 season

During Wednesday's edition of Elliotte Friedman's "31 Thoughts", Friedge touched on a very interesting and potentially contentious topic - if the NHL season is less than 82 games in 2020-21, will players still be paid for the full 82 games?

Friedman prefaced his thoughts with by revealing his oversight on how big of an issue this matter could become.

Due to the COVID-19, owners are already setting internal salary caps to try to recover from financial hardships brought on by the pandemic. On the other hand, why should the players be forced to settle for less than what their contracts state they should be paid? This could be very problematic during the planning process for the 2020-21 season if it is decided that an 82-game schedule is too much of a stretch, given the NHL's stance on not wanting to play deep into the summer next year.

"The NHL and NHLPA put their abrasive history behind them to reach a long-term CBA extension before the return to play. In it, the players accepted a 10 per cent deferral and a 20 per cent escrow deduction, which means they are entitled to 72 per cent of their gross salaries in 2020–21. There is also an agreement that the NHL not use specific powers that allow it to reduce salaries if COVID-19 eliminates games for 2020–21," said Friedman.

"Basically, the players are saying, 'We've given back enough.' Owners are saying, 'We can't be expected to pay for games that won't be played,'" he continued.

Still, as Friedman points out, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman continues to hold firm to his beliefs that next season will be a full 82-game season, despite the fact that it looks increasingly unlikely, adding that he has no clue how the NHL and NHLPA will handle this hurdle.

Here's hoping that the two sides can reach some form of an agreement that works for both sides, as I'm certain that neither side wants to endure any more delays than they're already anticipating.

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