Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames
Correct me if I'm wrong, but if true I'm absolutely baffled. Because they are so upset with how the arbitrator took things into his own hands, they will now allow a random judge to be the sole person to make a decision that hopefully sides with the NHL...
Amateur.
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The NHL's contention is that the arbitrator does not have the power to "[take] things into his own hands". Much like the league and the union, the arbitrators have to follow the rules set down by the CBA. The NHL believes Oldham violated the CBA and exceeded his mandate. It absolutely has to challenge that, as to do nothing is to, in the league's view, allow a third party to unilaterally change the terms of the agreement.
Nobody would be forgiving if the league or the union tried to do that, so why should an arbitrator get a pass? That is why it is going to court, to allow a judge to determine if Oldham did exceed his authority.
Unfortunately, the legal system doesn't move quickly. As it is, this motion appears to me to be an effort by the NHL to resolve it before the season starts, given the timelines presented. Even so, this story will be ongoing into October.