NHL seeks damages from players' union

The NHL plans to file a grievance against the players' union for condoning the holdout by Ottawa Senators forward Alexei Yashin, the National Post reported today.

The NHL plans to file a grievance against the players' union for condoning the holdout by Ottawa Senators forward Alexei Yashin, the National Post reported today.

In a letter sent to the NHL Players' Association, the league rejected the union's request to have an independent arbitrator rule on Yashin's contract status at the end of this season.

Yashin has refused to honor the final year of his contract unless given a new contract. The Senators have said they are prepared to seek damages from Yashin for breach of contract.

The Senators have suspended Yashin for the season, and contend he owes the team a year of service at his $3.6 million salary in order to become a free agent.

The NHL said it will seek damages from the union for violating its obligation under the collective bargaining agreement not to "support or condone any action of any player which is not in accordance with" an obligation to play under his contract.