While the members of the National Hockey League Players' Association vote to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement with the league, a veteran on the Montreal Canadiens shared his concerns about the new deal.
According to the Montreal Gazette, forward Erik Cole told the media on Friday that his unhappiness with the new CBA and his family situation will force him to review whether or not he wants to keep playing after this season.
Cole, who is in the second year of a four-year, $18 million deal with the Habs, first brought up the possibility of retirement in October.
"I want to have a conversation with the (Players' Association) about some of the escrow stuff and some of the fearsome things in the new CBA," Cole told the Gazette. "Family-wise it's a transition year with my daughter in school next year and I think it's something to be considered and everybody should consider this when they look at the new CBA, not just the way it affects the group but how it affects you individually."
The 34-year-old forward also stated his concern that players won't get the full value of their existing contracts as the NHLPA's share of league revenues will drop from 57 to 50 per cent.
Last season, his first with the Canadiens, Cole played in all 82 games and led the team in goals with 35, while recording 61 points.
