Press Box: NHL negotiations to resume Tuesday

The Sports Xchange

NHL owners and players are expected to meet in Toronto on Tuesday as the two sides continue to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement in which the players' union will make its proposal related to economic issues.

USA Today reported that the appeals process for player discipline and the length of training camps were the main issues discussed in Friday's meeting in New York. That was a day after commissioner Gary Bettman said the players would be locked out if there is not a new CBA by Sept. 15.

The players want an independent appellate process for supplemental discipline. Currently, Bettman is the only one who hears appeals. Brendan Shanahan, the NHL senior vice president of player safety, makes initial rulings.

Phoenix Coyotes left wing Raffi Torres' 25-game suspension for elbowing Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa under the chin during the playoffs was discussed in Friday's meeting. The suspension was cut to 21 games on July 2.

"Raffi has come up in conversation," Winnipeg Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey said. "(The players are) very interested in the whole process."

The league's economic proposal is for players to accept a reduction in hockey-related revenue from 57 percent to 46 percent. The NHLPA has said the owners' proposal actually equals just 43 percent.

--- Flyers defenseman Andreas Lilja had hip surgery last week and may not return to action until December, according to Swedish newspaper Helsingborgs Dablad.

CSNPhilly.com also reported Lilja could be out of action for up to four months.

The Flyers recently lost defenseman Andrej Meszarosto indefinitely because of an Achilles injury suffered during offseason workouts. Chris Pronger also remains out indefinitely after missing nearly all of the 2011-12 season with concussion-related issues.

SOCCER

---Manchester City scored three second-half goals to beat Chelsea 3-2 on Sunday in the traditional start of the English season.

Chelsea played with just 10 players after Branislav Ivanovic was sent off late in the first half.