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The NHL lost an entire season to a collective bargaining issue back in 2005, mostly due to the owners wanting (and eventually getting) a salary cap put in place.
Fast forward to 2012, where the league is finally gaining some footing in the sports world once again. TV ratings are up, NBC broadcasted every playoff game (first time in league history that they were all televised) and attendance is booming in many non-traditional markets.
Yet, the owners have opted out of the current CBA and now the two sides are once again at the bargaining table.
According to WEEI.com, Boston Bruins forward Daniel Paille talked about the current state of affairs and what to expect going forward.
"Negotiations seem to be moving fairly well right now," Paille said. "Right now, our main focus is just to start a season. We know it's a process, but it shouldn't be too bad. Everyone's main goal is to start the season."
Without question, that's an encouraging quote from Paille. While it's never easy to bridge financial gaps, the two sides seem interested in making a pact happen sooner rather than later.
"It's a proposal, and we were expecting a proposal from them -- we just didn't know to what extent," Paille said. "For us, we took and it looked at the proposal and now we've just got to analyze and see what happens and ask certain questions. The good news is there's always room for negotiating. As long as there's that, there won't be a problem."
Without question, the back-and-forth will be something to keep an eye on with NHL training camps less than two months away.
For more on the Bruins, please be sure to check out our blog Stanley Cup Of Chowder and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.